Customer Reviews

GM: Eldorado, Seville, Deville, Riviera & Toronado, '86'93 (Haynes Manuals)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book to be helpful in taking on small tasks such as doing your own brakes. In all, I would estimate this book saved me a few hundred dollars in repairs this year versus what I would have spent at the dealership or the local repair shop. (I was really upset when I found out how SIMPLE it is to replace disc brake pads) However, I would not use this manual for serious work, such as engine overhauls. In essence, this book is great for doing brakes, belts, spark plugs and minor troubleshooting. I would not depend on it for anything beyond such activities. Some of the chapters discuss engine overhauls and replacing struts. These are two pretty dangerous activities that the book sort of glazes over. They should have just left those things to the logic of "let somebody else seriously injure themselves doing this stuff".

It would have been nice for Haynes to include the Cadillac engine computer trouble codes, but you have to buy a seperate Haynes manual to get those.

The Buick Reatta is a E-body car that mechanically is a Riviera minus the rear seat. So this book covers almost everything relevant to a Reatta, including some info on the Teves Mark II ABS braking system. The only real additions needed would have been a paragraph or two on the headlight motors (e.g., how to replace the three little plastic rollers inside the gear box that always disintegrate, plus the crank arm that often gets rounded out). Another section on convertible top replacement and adjustment would have also been good.

Speaking of the Teves braking system, this book does give some additional information on its maintenance procedures. However when it fails, it basically tells you to remove the entire integrated ABS/boost unit and replace it, which is a very expensive option. They should have added a couple of procedures for diagnosing and replacing two of the most common problems - loss of pressure capacity in the accumulator ball (which happens over time), or a bad pressure switch. Failures in one or the other can lead to the pump motor running too much and eventually burning out - causing lack of power assist. A couple of things the book does provide is a set of error codes from the EBCM for diagnosing problems, and proper flushing procedures (e.g., use the built-in electric pump to flush the rear brake lines.)

My son loves the books. Says it's very helpful with his 93 Cadillac. Cam e very quickly also. Appologize for taking so long to review.

I like how on the cover all haynes manuals state "based on a complete teardown & rebuild". Yet inside, everywhere you read --- refere service to a qualified service man, technician or something like that. WHY DID I BUY THE BOOK. I have been working on cars for 47 years, tell me what I need to know. If I wanted to take it in for service, I would not have bought the Haynes.
Take your $ & invest in a Motors Manual or a Chilton, you will be MUCH more ahead.

I ordered this book and arrived much before the estemated date. It came in great condition and I had no problems.

Working on a 1991 seville. I have saved myself about 800.00 so far and am sure I will save and learn much more. Tune-up & changed distributor.