With our first camping trip getting closer, it was time to stop guessing and get the Porsche properly checked over. I booked the car into TD Automotive for a full inspection so I’d have a clear picture of what needs attention now, what can wait, and what’s simply part of owning an older car.
As expected, the report came back with a mix of minor issues and some more important jobs that need to be done before we head off.
Minor Items (Not Urgent)
There are a couple of minor oil leaks, nothing unusual for a car of this age. The plan here is simple — I’ll give the underside a proper pressure wash at a later date and then reinspect to see exactly where everything is coming from before deciding what needs doing.
The brake fluid also needs replacing, which isn’t a concern. I already have the correct tool to do this at home, and I’ll make a short video on that job when I get to it.
There’s also an electrical issue that I’ve known about for quite some time. It’s been there, it hasn’t changed, and it’s not affecting the car in a way that worries me right now, so that one can stay on the back burner.
The Important Stuff (Before the First Trip)
The main takeaway from the inspection is that the front end needs attention before we go anywhere serious. None of this is unexpected, but it’s all stuff that needs to be right for safety, handling and peace of mind.
The list looks like this:
- Wheel bearings need adjusting or replacing
- Steering rack dust boots need replacing
- Tie rod ends need replacing
- Ball joints need replacing
- Front shock absorbers need replacing
- Wheel alignment once everything is done
This is exactly why I wanted the inspection done. These are wear items, and on a car that’s going to be driven, loaded with camping gear and taken on longer trips, they’re not things you want to ignore.
Moving Forward
The good news is that none of this is scary or unexpected. It’s all straightforward mechanical work and part of getting the car into a solid, reliable baseline. Once the front end is sorted and aligned properly, the car should feel tighter, more predictable, and far more confidence-inspiring on the road.
As always, I’ll document as much of the process as I can — including the brake fluid change and any of the other work I tackle myself.
It’s all part of the journey, and this inspection has given me a clear plan moving forward.
Check out the video here.
https://youtube.com/shorts/cdmv2LhPxzY
TD Automotive
https://tdautomotive.com.au/