Peter Russek Pocket Mechanic Manuals : Compact Car & Van Repair Guides
The "Pocket Mechanic Manuals" by Peter Russek show you how to service and repair your car yourself and which tools are required. They provide far more information than the owner's manual supplied by the manufacturer with a new car. Over 30 years, more than 50 of these repair manuals have been published for European and Japanese passenger cars, off-road vehicles and vans.
- A Pocket Mechanic Manual describes the step-by-step dismantling and assembly, adjustment, repair and maintenance of the main mechanical components, including engine, valves, carburettor / fuel injection system, clutch, gearbox (removal and installation), driveshafts, steering system, front and rear suspension, brakes and engine electrics.
- The bodywork and the rest of the electrical system are only briefly covered.
- Each Russek repair manual contains detailed drawings and exploded views, the most important technical data, dimensions, tightening torques, adjustment data and troubleshooting tables.
- These manuals are of interest both to hobby mechanics and to those who simply want to understand how a particular car works.
Publisher: Peter Russek Publications Ltd (GB)
Format: 21 x 14.5 cm (A5), approx. 200 pages, paperback. Fits easily in the glove compartment.
Language: These books are available only in English.
Many dozens of Russek repair manuals were published in German by Bucheli Verlag in a larger format. In addition, the British publisher Brooklands Books released several Russek titles in English in A4 format.
Automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes: As special tools and equipment are required, the overhaul of automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes (true specialist work!) is not described in these books. However, you will usually find instructions for removing and installing the gearbox, changing the ATF fluid and adjusting the controls.
Click here for specific books on automatic transmissions.
Units: In the Russek repair manuals, measurements and weights are given in ISO units (m, kg, Nm, ...).
Wiring diagrams: Russek manuals mainly focus on repairing the mechanical parts of the vehicle. Only the main electrical circuits are shown (fuses, engine, lighting, etc.).
What information do the Russek Pocket Mechanic Manuals provide?
These books mainly describe maintenance and repair of the mechanical components: engine (removal - installation, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshaft drive, valves, oil pump, cooling, fuel system), clutch, gearbox (removal and installation only), 4x4 drive, suspension, steering, brakes, alternator and starter. Including extensive troubleshooting tables, technical data and tightening torques.
A Pocket Mechanic Manual by Peter Russek (in this example for a Mitsubishi Carisma) generally contains the following chapters:
GENERAL INFORMATION
Vehicle identification
Dimensions and weights
Filling capacities
General maintenance instructions
Jacking up the vehicle
ENGINES
General data
Removal and installation
Dismantling the engine
Assembling the engine
Engine overhaul
- Cylinder head
- Pistons and connecting rods
- Crankshaft and bearings
- Camshaft and camshaft drive
- Adjusting valve timing
- Adjusting timing belt tension
Exhaust system
LUBRICATION SYSTEM
The oil pump
- Removal and installation
- Overhauling the oil pump
- Oil filter
- Oil pan - removal and installation
- Checking the oil level
- Oil pressure switch
- Oil cooler
COOLING SYSTEM
Technical data
Draining and filling the cooling system
Radiator
Water pump
- Removal and installation
- Adjusting drive belt tension
Thermostat
Checking the cooling system
PETROL INJECTION SYSTEM
Technical data
Relieving fuel pressure
Adjusting idle speed
Air filter
Throttle cable
Replacing the fuel filter
IGNITION SYSTEM
Technical data
Distributor
- Removal and installation
- Distributor repairs
Ignition timing
Spark plugs
Ignition coils
DIESEL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Fuel filter
- Replacing the filter
- Bleeding the fuel system
- Draining water from the filter
Injection pump
Injector holders and injectors
Glow plugs
Turbocharger
Air filter
CLUTCH
Technical data
Clutch removal
Clutch installation
Inspection of parts
Clutch adjustments
- Adjusting pedal height and free play
Hydraulic clutch control
Clutch master cylinder
Clutch slave cylinder
Bleeding the clutch system
MANUAL GEARBOX
Technical data
Gearbox - removal and installation
Gearshift control
Gearbox oil level and oil change
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Technical data
Checking fluid level and changing fluid
Automatic transmission - removal and installation
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS / WHEEL BEARINGS
Driveshafts - removal and installation
Replacing the driveshaft rubber boot and CV joint
Wheel hub and steering knuckle
Replacing wheel bearings
FRONT SUSPENSION
Technical data
Front struts
- Removal
- Dismantling a strut
- Assembling a strut
- Installing the struts
Front wheel hubs
Lower control arm
Stabilizer bar
Front wheel alignment
- Adjusting toe-in
- Caster and camber
Tightening torque values
REAR SUSPENSION
Technical data
Rear suspension
- Removal and installation of shock absorber / strut
- Assembling a strut
- Track rod, upper and lower arm
- Trailing arm
- Stabilizer bar
Rear wheel hubs and rear wheel bearings
- Wheel hubs - removal and installation
Tightening torque values
STEERING
Technical data
Checking the steering system
Steering gear - removal and installation
- Steering repairs
Power steering pump
BRAKES
Technical data
Front disc brakes
- Replacing brake pads
- Brake caliper - removal and installation
- Brake discs
Rear drum brakes
- Replacing brake shoes
- Wheel cylinder - overhaul
Rear disc brakes
- Brake pads - replacement
- Brake caliper - removal and overhaul
- Brake discs
Master cylinder
- Removal and installation
Bleeding the brake system
Brake pressure regulator valve
Adjusting brakes
- Front and rear brakes
- Adjusting the handbrake
- Adjusting the brake pedal
ABS
Brakes - tightening torques
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Technical data
Battery
Alternator
- Routine precautions
- Checking a fitted alternator
- Removal and installation
Starter motor
- Removal and installation
Fuses
Headlights and side lights
- Replacing headlight bulbs
- Replacing side light bulbs
- Replacing a headlight
- Adjusting headlights
Wiring diagrams
TROUBLESHOOTING
Engine faults
Lubrication system faults
Cooling system faults
Diesel fuel system faults
Clutch faults
Steering faults
Brake faults
Electrical faults
The Russek repair manuals describe step-by-step repair and maintenance of the mechanical components.
The Russek repair manuals include only the most important wiring diagrams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these called "Pocket Mechanic" manuals?
Unlike larger shop manuals, Peter Russek publications are produced in a compact A5 format (21 x 14.5 cm). This makes them incredibly practical for the workshop or the road, as they can be stored easily in the vehicle's glove compartment for quick reference during a repair or breakdown.
What is the main focus of a Russek manual?
These manuals are heavily focused on the mechanical heart of the vehicle. They provide deep technical coverage of the engine, fuel systems (both petrol and diesel), drivetrain, and suspension. While they cover the main electrical circuits and bulbs, they prioritize mechanical "nuts and bolts" repairs over complex bodywork or interior trim.
How do Russek manuals help with troubleshooting?
Every manual contains extensive troubleshooting tables at the back of the book. These tables are organized by system (Engine, Clutch, Steering, etc.), allowing you to identify the likely cause of a specific symptom—such as a noise, vibration, or leak—and find the corresponding repair section quickly.