Few niggles - clunky front after warming up - tricky ignition key

[Black_JPN]

Ok, so I'm fully into the ownership experience of my Dad's former Porsche! As mentioned in the "trying to find" thread since owning it I've spotted a few niggles.

The first is the front end feels a bit choppy and clunky over cobbly roads at low speed after the car has been warmed up. I've read this is usually down to the bushes wearing out in the 'tuning fork' like control arms. Does this sound like the most likely cause? There are few options for new ones OEM and non-OEM plus a fair few 'how to' youtube guides. I have a pit at home, some time off over Xmas and I'm wondering if this is something I should try and tackle?

The next issue is the ignition key. It doesn't 'spring' back into position after starting. I've also had the odd gremlin of not being able to use the remote after exiting the car and the passenger door not seeming to unlock every time. Some more reading leads mean to believe it might be the Ignition switch which is a standard VAG group part (4A0905849). It's a cheap enough part so I've got one ordered to see how I get on. But do people think this will fix the key not springing back?

The hardtop is a bit clunky too and I noticed yesterday that the the passenger side bolt doesn't seem to 'clunk' into place as well as the other side. There looks to be adjustment in the mechanism but I wondered if anyone knew how/what to loosen/tighten. My research didn't throw much back.

On the plus side the engine looks immaculate and the underneath of the car looks to be in fine fettle with not a drop of oil in sight. The engine sounds exactly as it should too with no odd noises.

I've purchased some clear indicator rear lenses and will be getting some scuff master liquid leather shortly to smarten the interior up. Once that's done then I'll look to investing in a set of nice GT3 style split rims!

Gratuitous driveway shot..

Cheers

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The key not releasing is almost certainly the switch. I (and a lot of others) have had exactly the same symptoms. There is a DIY here you might find useful: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/FindPost/231803

 

[JuliusF]

Crashy/clunky suspension I'd have thought was more likely tired shocks/top mounts - mine has this sympton mildly at the moment, and my indy suggested a shock and top mount refresh as the best course of action.

On the other hand, creaky suspension is usually coffin arms - it starts off occasional then ends up being there nearly all of the time, even getting in and out of the car, but I did notice when it was first manifesting it was worse once the car's loosened up and been driven around.

If it is suspension control arm parts requiring replacement, I'd suggest take a look at Hartech who do a good range of new and recon parts - coffin arms in particular, although not that hard to come by in factored form, can have a range of quality and dimension issues.

Finally, if it hasn't been done for a couple of years, I'd strongly recommend a geometry check by a specialist - even in my present slightly dilapidated state the difference this made was amazing and helped general handling no end, taking a lot of the nervousness out of the car on variable road surfaces.

I also found an anti roll bar service help taughten things up generally.

Good luck!

 

[Stuart Mackay]

If there is clicking noise after a few miles, this could be also one of the two steering arm balljoints having some play in it where it attaches to the end of the rack, locating which one is worn is the challenge, but fix is easy with a replacement inner steering arm for around £40.