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Creaking suspension

sbloxxy

sbloxxy

New member
I have a problem with my Boxster S which is driving me mad. Its a loud creak from the front o/s. I've read a fair bit about this problem before on the forum and I've identified it as (probably) the outer ball joint on the control arm.
Am I right in thinking that this cannot be replaced without replacing the complete arm?
Where can I buy one? Hardly anyone on the internet seem to actually list the part. Euro Car Parts have a genuine part listed as 'Track control arm with ball joint' - is this the correct part?
Thanks,
Steve
 
Hi,

I had the same squeeky problem last year and I had a local mechanic listen to it whith a stethascope to pinpoint the source, indeed it was the lower ball joint.

I purchased the whole lower control arm (gen. Porsche part) from Euro car Parts and cured the problem. The same mechanic advised me to change the other side at the same time as it would follow suit soon, I also changed the anti rollbar drop liks at the same time.

Hope this helps,

Robert
 
Thanks for that. Rang one of the specialists today and described the part: he said 'Oh you mean the arm that needs replacing near enough every year'. He also added that they sell a box full every week.
Ominous...
 
A quick follow up to my original post: bought a replacement track control arm from Euro Car Parts (about £150) and decided to fit it myself. Once the car was jacked up, it became apparent just how worn the ball joint on the outer end was - you could actually feel and hear the whole hub moving. Job took about 1.5 hours and now I have a creak-free car and the steering feels wonderful and tight.
All I need to do now is cure the rattling exhaust...
 
ORIGINAL: sbloxxy

Thanks for that. Rang one of the specialists today and described the part: he said 'Oh you mean the arm that needs replacing near enough every year'. He also added that they sell a box full every week.
Ominous...
Click to expand...

Stephen

All manner of auto ailments are often quoted as being a very common occurence with Boxsters. If your man is correct I should be on pair number 8 this month but I still have those that the car came with - perhaps it's a peculiarity of the 'S' suspension.

 
sbloxxy,

Interesting information on track control arm, I'm sure I will need to do mine one day with all the bad roads and speed humps I have to go over each day.
Is it only a problem the 'S' Boxster suspension or does the standard Boxster also have the problem ?
I know the drop links are a common problem...

All I need to do now is cure the rattling exhaust...
Click to expand...

This thread on exhaust heat shield fixings may help you http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=263292

Regards,
Bluebox.
 
It's a common problem with all Boxsters........and 996's.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info Richard.
I always drive slowly over speed humps nowadays, hoping to avoid damaging my suspension.
I be very happy if it lasts as long as JCB's.[8D]
 
I have just been quoted Lower arm £99.84 per arm and Labour £72 per side by my idie.
Do you reckon that is a fair price? (Plus VAT)
 
They obviously don't make them like mine anymore
Click to expand...

I reckon once you're reached 1,000,000 miles on your car and you finally need to replace a single part, you should write to Porsche and get them to use it as a centre piece in their new museum a-la Top-Gear Toyoto Hi-Lux! [:D]
 
It's an hour a side to do the job for a decent indy. The parts price seems about right. A quick track and camber check - sounds about right. I'm sure you could get it £15-20 a side cheaper, but it probably isn't worth shopping around if you are happy with the indy you use.
 
ORIGINAL: Black80XSA

sounds about right - whilst traffi calming measures don't help its done well to last 9 years.
Click to expand...

Mine's just sailed through another MOT with twice that mileage! [:)]
 
ORIGINAL: Black80XSA

ORIGINAL: JCB..

ORIGINAL: Black80XSA

sounds about right - whilst traffi calming measures don't help its done well to last 9 years.
Click to expand...

Mine's just sailed through another MOT with twice that mileage! [:)]
Click to expand...

nothing seems to wear out on yours though does it [;)]
Click to expand...

The battery gave up last year!

Truth be told there are some areas that look like they have covered 100,000 miles:

Drivers seat looks a bit lived in!

The wheels are starting to chip and bubble here and there.

The hood is knackered - the screen is splitting along the crease. I blame winter running with the hard top for that.

Dings and chips all round - but from 10 yards still looks good (when it's clean).
 
I have had the suspension taken apart and greased up (to reduce the creak) about 4 times in 4 years, speed bump heaven in my areas.

New arms sounds severe.

Apart from two broken coils, nothing else.
 
The bushes went on my '99 3.2s which has done 57k.

Porsche don't sell the bushes but will sell the bottom arms. They will cost you one of your arms.

Euro Car Parts sells the bottom arm for about £250 each if memory serves. However you can get poly bushes from Powerflex for £28 each.

Quicker to change than the complete arms as well!
 
Mine only creaks slightly at very slow (10-20mph) speeds (at 83,000 mi) so I try to avoid slow speeds. I hardly ever notice it.

Jerry

Oct 2000 986 Boxster S


 
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