Description

Daihatsu Charade 1987 Workshop Manual

I’ve been wrenching for 28 years, and nothing burns my time like a manual that says “tighten until snug” on a head bolt that needs 47 ft-lbs plus 90 degrees. That’s why I go straight to the source. This Daihatsu Charade 1987 Workshop Manual is the factory print from Daihatsu Motor Co., published April 1987. It’s 538 pages of no-guesswork data for the Charade chassis. If you’re pulling a transmission or chasing an electrical gremlin in a first-gen Charade, this is the only book you want on the bench.

Transmission Overhaul: Factory Procedures

The manual splits the drivetrain into separate sections: Clutch (Section 2), Manual Transmission (Section 3), and Automatic Transmission (Section 4). Each one starts with a schematic diagram of components, then walks you through disassembly, inspection, and reassembly with the correct clearances. Page 1-3 has the Table of Tightening Torque – I’ve used it more times than I can count. For a Manual Transmission rebuild, you get every bearing preload spec and shift fork clearance. No aftermarket book has that level of detail.

Suspension and Steering: What the Manual Covers

Front Axle & Suspension (Section 5) and Rear Axle & Suspension (Section 6) include ball joint torque specs, strut disassembly, and alignment procedures. Steering (Section 7) gives you the rack preload and tie rod end torque. I’ve seen a lot of shade-tree mechanics use a breaker bar where the book says 18 ft-lbs – that’s how you strip threads. The manual also lists the correct SSTs (special service tools) for each job, so you’re not ghetto-rigging it with a pipe wrench.

Electrical System Diagnostics

Section 10 (Body Electrical) and the General Information section include full wiring diagrams. Page 1-3 explicitly says “Wiring Diagrams” as part of the contents. If you’re dealing with a no-start, dead lights, or a blown fuse on a 1987 Charade, the diagrams show every connector and wire color. I’ll tell you right now: aftermarket wiring diagrams are garbage. They simplify things to the point of uselessness. This manual shows the actual factory routing. Pair it with the 1988 Daihatsu Charade Wiring Diagram – Factory OEM Manual if you need an extra layer of detail.

Jacking Points and Safety Stand Locations

Section 1 covers jacking points and supporting points for safety stands (page 1-6). That might sound basic, but I’ve seen a Charade fall off a floor jack because someone set it on the pinch weld wrong. The manual shows exactly where to put the stands and the NVO-post lift points. If you’re working alone in your garage, that page could save your ribs from getting crushed. Safety isn’t optional.

Why OEM Documentation Beats Aftermarket

I’ve got a stack of aftermarket manuals that list 10W-30 for every engine, even when the factory called for 20W-50. This manual was printed by Daihatsu for the 1987 model year. The torque values, fluid capacities, and part numbers are the same ones the dealer techs used. You want to know the clutch pedal free play? It’s in Section 2. The appendix (Section 11) has a table of service specifications. Don’t trust a third-party reprint when you can get the real thing. If you need a companion engine manual, check the Daihatsu Charade 1978 Technical Manual or the DAIHATSU CHARADE 1987 Workshop Manual for the complete set.

3 Systems That Rely on Accurate Torque Specs

Brakes (Section 8): Caliper bolt torque, banjo bolt torque, and bleeding procedure. Body (Section 9): Interior trim removal, door panel clips, and hinge adjustments. And of course, the transmission bell housing bolts. I’ve replaced helicoils in more aluminum cases than I want to think about because someone used a U-joint on a click-type torque wrench that was never calibrated. The manual’s torque table on page 1-3 is your Bible. Follow it.

FAQ – Daihatsu Charade 1987 Workshop Manual

Does this manual cover the CB or CL engine?

The manual covers the chassis, power train, suspension, brakes, steering, body, and electrical system. Engine-specific information (Type CB, Type CL, CB-80) is in separate workshop manuals. This one focuses on everything bolted to the frame and inside the cabin.

What torque specs are listed for the front suspension?

Section 5 (Front Axle & Suspension) has a table of tightening torque for ball joints, strut top nuts, and lower arm pivot bolts. Page 1-3 also lists general torque specs. I can’t give you exact numbers here, but the manual has them all.

Can I use this for a 1988 Charade?

1988 models had a few electrical and body updates. This manual is specifically for 1987 chassis. For 1988 wiring changes, you’ll want the 1988 wiring diagram manual. The mechanical parts (suspension, brakes, transmission) are largely the same.

Does the manual include a wiring diagram for the entire car?

Yes. Section 1 lists Wiring Diagrams as part of the content. Section 10 (Body Electrical) covers lighting, gauges, switches, and connectors. The diagrams are full factory schematics with wire colors and connector pinouts.

I’ve been through enough of these little cars to know that guessing costs money. When you buy this manual, you get 538 pages of verified data – no condensations, no “typical values,” no aftermarket fluff. If you’re rebuilding a Charade, get the factory source. Access the Factory Manual and keep it on your tablet or print out the pages you need. It’ll pay for itself the first time you avoid a stripped bell housing bolt.