Hello, We’re glad that you have found the home of Eurasian Auto Service on the Web! As you may already know, EAS has been providing quality service and repair of Porsche and Mini automobiles in the Birmingham, Alabama area for over 35 years. As always, you may call us at (205) 251-9263, e-mail us here, or just stop by at 2831 4th Avenue South, in the heart of Birmingham’s Southside.

Please browse our site by scrolling down to view our blog, and follow the orange page links on the right to get a better idea of who we are and what we can do for you. Also you many see our YouTube Channel here.

With Thanks and Regards,

The Eurasian Auto Service Staff

Thanks to Jack Criswell and AdPix.biz for making the above photo happen.

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Come Learn About Your Porsche With the Staff From Eurasian Auto Service!

We are pleased to announce that the Alabama Region of the Porsche Club of America will be holding a tech session at Barber Motorsports Museum from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on January 23rd, 2010. The staff of Eurasian Auto Service will be there presenting information and answering your questions regarding maintenance, service, and repair of your Porsche drawing from their over 60 years of combined experience.

A number of parts will be on hand to display common mechanical failures and how they can be prevented. The latest high tech diagnostic equipment will be demonstrated as well.

Cost will be $20 benefiting the Barber Motorsports Museum. Coffee and donuts will be included. All are welcome! You need not be a PCA member or own a Porsche to attend.

RSVP via e-mail here

We look forward to seeing you there and to helping you learn even more about your Porsche!

Is your Porsche a garage queen? It still needs service!

A large proportion of vehicles that we see here at Eurasian Auto Service are driven less that 9,000 miles per year. Many experienced Porsche owners will note that service intervals are based on a 15,000 mile scale, which would mean your vehicle might only come up for a service or inspection once every three years following the mileage scale.

As many seasoned auto technicians (including us) can tell you, having a vehicle that has not been serviced in three years can cause major problems. For example, Porsche specifies that brake fluid must be changed every two years, regardless of mileage. There are many other inspection items that can degrade over time and leave you stranded on a leisurely Sunday drive.

This is why Porsche specifies an annual inspection for vehicles driven less than 9,000 miles per year. Vehicle components inspected in this service are listed for us on an official Porsche inspection form and include:

-Read out diagnosis system fault codes to be fully aware of what is happening with critical systems in the vehicle

-Inspect the underside of the vehicle for fluid leaks, and note the condition of all lines, hoses, and wires

-On water cooled vehicles, inspect the radiator air inlets for debris and blockage to prevent overheating and possible engine damage

-Check power steering fluid level, where applicable

-Check engine oil level and condition

-Inspect condition of brake hoses, lines, pads, discs, brake fluid level and condition–if fluid appears dark, it has been contaminated with water and must be flushed out to prevent corrosion damage to critical brake components

-Inspect condition of steering gear dust boots and check for leaks

-Inspect tie rod end and ball joint play and dust boot condition

-Inspect axle joints for play and dust boot condition

-Inspect condition and pressures of tires and spare tire

-Check cabrio and body drains for debris; clean if needed

-Check that all vehicle lights and horn are functional and inspect headlight aim

-Test drive vehicle and note any deficiencies

An annual inspection will keep you abreast of any issues with your vehicle and will give you the opportunity to correct any deficiencies before the become serious enough to leave you on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere!

If you have any further questions about low mileage annual inspections, please feel free to contact us in whatever manner is most convenient for you!

New technology in the 911 Turbo

Porsche is known for putting out informative and well-produced advertisements for their products.  Follow this link to see a video explaining some of the complex technologies in the 911 Turbo that make it such an awe-inspiring automobile.

CV Joint Popping? Here’s Why!

Constant velocity (or CV)  joints are a critical part of many vehicles. They allow power to be transmitted from the transmission to the wheel at different angles at a constant speed. These joints were an early, essential step into the development of front-wheel drive vehicles like the Mini Cooper.  They are also used on rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles that utilize an independent front or rear suspension including modern Porsche vehicles.

Function of a Constant Velocity Joint

Many average automobile owners are unaware of the function or even existence of CV joins present in their vehicles until one begins to fail. A common symptom of a failing CV joint is a distinct “popping” or “clicking” noise while turning and accelerating or decelerating. This can be explained by illustrating the design of the joint itself.

The end of the driveshaft is splined and fits into the outer “joint”. It is typically held in place by a circlip. The shaft fits in the center of a large, steel, star-shaped “gear” that nests inside a circular cage. The cage is spherical but with ends open, and it typically has six openings around the perimeter. This cage and gear fit into a grooved cup that has a splined and threaded shaft attached to it. Six large steel balls sit inside the cup grooves and fit into the cage openings, nestled in the grooves of the star gear. The outer shaft on the cup then runs through the wheel bearing and is secured by the axle nut.

Inner CV joint and boot in good condition, note extreme angle

Water and debris such as dirt and other particulates are kept out of this assembly by a grease-filled rubber boot. The most common cause of CV joint failure is failure of the boot itself in the form of dry rot or rips, allowing contaminants inside that wear the metal components of the joint itself. Typically, components become pitted or eroded which can affect the smooth operation of the joint at operating angles, causing popping. Eventually, the joint will wear so badly that it will lock up and no longer function at all, or it will come apart.

Worn CV component, represented in the illustration at top by the color green. Note wear on ball-bearing contact surfaces. This one had to be replaced!

Another view of worn CV component

We hope that you have learned something valuable from this post, and invite you to call us at (205) 251-9263 if you have questions or desire an appointment.