Any thoughts on stoppin' a creaky coffin ....?

JuliusF · Sep 22, 2015

Today's preponderance is the creaky control arm of yore, front two definitely needing to be done, back two as well ideally, if the sheckles will stretch.

Sooo, there is of course the genuine part to chose from your local unfriendly OPC at around £150 each (ouch) or a couple of after market choices, considerably cheaper by either Meyle or Dansk coming in at around half that or better.

However, I hear rumblings (on various forums as well as from the suspension) that there are durability and dimension issues, and in that regard have heard that they fit better on the front than on the back - bizarre!

So first question, anyone running either the Meyle or Dansk alternatives and what has your experience been - good bad, or well, creaky (again)?

I have noticed the Meyle one's come with a 2 year warranty, but if they don't fit too well that's somewhat moot I would venture.

And just to make the musings more interesting, what about the upgraded (stiffer) bush kits you can get for them? Should I consider these as well, or is there not much point if I'm leaving the rest of the suspension the same for the time being?

Comments from the floor please?

wibble · Sep 22, 2015

Have you tried Hartech for refurbished units? If you go down the bush upgrade route, then you'll need all suspension bushings done (and probably a 4 wheel alignment). Then consider replacement shocks for deeper pockets to transform the overall performance. Depends how long you plan to keep the car I guess.

stephenbailey · Sep 22, 2015

Hi Julius
i dont know if they are the same size or part no but I've got a set of meyle rear coffin arms for a 2006 Cayman s
They are brand new ( in box ) never used
If they are of any use to you I can let you have them for a billy bargain
cheers Steve

JuliusF · Sep 23, 2015

Thanks for the offer of the Meyle arms, but I think I'll go with the Hartech tip - that looks a more attractive option.

Many thanks.

stephenbailey · Sep 23, 2015

Hi Jules
No problem. Hartech did my front wishbones although I used porsche parts. From what I can gather if you have the rear ones replaced you must have the wheel alignment done also. Car handles superbly with no knocks or creaks
Hope you get it sorted
cheers steve

JuliusF · Sep 25, 2015

So been in touch with Hartech - very helpful, but a few points to note.

Their coffin arm refurb units are service exchange, and you have to pay a deposit of £50 an arm, which honestly I thought was bit steep adding another (if temporary) £200 plus VAT to the bill, and you have to pay return shipping yourself.

I appreciate they are needing to incentivise you to return the old arms, but by the time it was all totted with shipping I ended up with a bill well over £600 notes, rather than the £300 plus VAT I thought I was in the region of; also surprisingly no PCGB member discount either.

Overall still a good deal compared to new from OPC (at least once I've got the deposit back) but I would have appreciated a bit more clarity before being clobbered at the checkout.

Still its a job I've been waiting to get sorted for a while, and saying goodbye to the all round creaks will be most welcome!

wibble · Sep 27, 2015

Yes, I forgot about the deposit. I think I sent my 944 wishbones via the cheapest method (they should not weigh too much anyway) and deposit was returned a few weeks later.

JuliusF · Oct 14, 2015

Blissfully creak free at last, and deposit very promptly returned by Hartech when I sent back the old coffins.
But the steering wheel center isn't where it used to be (wheel was put on a few months back when the worn arms were on) - just goes to show!
Another bit of adjustment - hey ho!
J

JuliusF · Oct 15, 2015

Just back from wheel alignment - way way off as a result of the new arms and the camber was goosed as well - I was surprised!
Another £48 down but at least it goes in a straight line now with the wheel pointing dead ahead!
I've worked out PORSCHE stands for Probable Overspend Required, Seems Costs Have Escalated....!