L'Expert Automobile (RPTA) : Professional French Repair Manuals
Since 1965 the French company L'Expert Automobile published several magazines and other publications for automotive professionals, including the "Revue Pratique de Technique Automobile". In 2005 the publisher became part of the ETAI group, publisher of the "Revue Technique Automobile (RTA)".
After the takeover, both magazines covered the same topic every month, while maintaining their specific Technical data. Since July 2006 (nr.452), the content has been identical however, except for the cover and pagination. The last issue 547 was published in March 2015.
Each Revue Pratique de Technique Automobile is a complete maintenance and repair book. It provides much more information than the owner's handbook that the manufacturer supplies with a new car. The various chapters provide information on adjustment data, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair.
The issues in the Revue Pratique de Technique Automobile series are intended for professional users as well as for experienced DIY mechanics.
Publisher: ETAI / L'Expert Automobile, Antony (F)
Size: 27 x 21 cm (10.6 x 8.25 in), paperpack
Language: These books are only availiable in French.
Automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes: Because special tools and adjustment equipment are required, the overhaul of automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes (specialist work!) is not covered in these books, but they usually provide instructions for replacing the ATF fluid and adjusting the controls. Click here for specific books about automatic transmissions.
Wiring diagrams: RTPA manuals contain clear wiring diagrams.
What information do these manuals provide?
Each Revue Pratique de Technique Automobile covers maintenance and repair of the engine (removal and installation, timing gear, camshaft, cooling, lubrication system, fuel system, cylinder head and engine block), clutch, transmission, drive shafts, front axle, rear axle, steering system (including wheel alignment), braking system, electrical equipment and body (heating, external loose and welded panels, interior trim, dimensional check on the straightening bench). Included are technical data, adjustment data, torque wrench settings and wiring diagrams.
A typical Revue Pratique de Technique Automobile contains the following chapters:
GENERAL
- Study
- Presentation
MECHANICAL
Petrol engines
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
Repair methods:
- Timing Chain
- Camshaft
- Accessory Drive Belt
- Cooling
- Lubrication
- Ignition
- Injection
- Cylinder Head
- Lowering of the engine-cradle assembly
Diesel Engines
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods:
- Timing chain
- Camshaft
- Accessory drive belt
- Cooling
- Lubrication
- Fuel supply
- Cylinder head
Clutch
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Manual gearboxes
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Automatic gearboxes
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Driveline
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Suspension - front axle
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Suspension - rear axle
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Steering geometry
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Steering
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
Brakes
- Technical data
- Torque wrench settings
- Repair methods
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
- Components and layout
- Nomenclature
- Wiring diagrams
BODY
- Heating - air conditioning
- Airbag and seatbelt pretensioner
- Body construction
- Removable elements
- Upholstery
- Welded elements
- Checking the body on the straightening bench
RPTA manuals describe maintenance and repair in detail.
RTPA manuals contain clear wiring diagrams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between L'Expert Automobile and Revue Technique Automobile (RTA)?
Originally independent, L'Expert Automobile was acquired by the ETAI group (the publisher of RTA) in 2005. From July 2006 until the final issue in 2015, the technical content of both magazines became identical, though they maintained their distinct covers and pagination. Both are respected as professional-tier French technical resources.
Are these manuals suitable for beginner DIYers?
These manuals are primarily written for automotive professionals and highly experienced DIY mechanics. They contain high-level technical data and professional repair methods that assume the user has a strong foundational knowledge of vehicle mechanics and access to standard workshop equipment.
Does the bodywork section cover more than just basic repairs?
Yes. Unlike many standard consumer manuals, L’Expert Automobile includes advanced bodywork data. This includes instructions for removable and welded elements, interior upholstery, and—most notably—dimensional data for checking the vehicle frame on a professional straightening bench after a collision.