Springs & Suspension

[Guest]

I'm hopefully going to take delivery of a 993 in the next couple of weeks. 40K miles. It has had a good deal of work done to it, with new clutch, wishbones etc. However, I suspect the springs/suspension are the originals.

Now, I hear lots of stuff regarding the shock/suspension being knackered on any 40K 993, so what I want to know is the following:

- does the suspension need replacing, or just the shocks?
- how much do this all cost?
- what is wrong with replacing it all for OEM parts?
- I just want the original factory feel to the car

I need a decent bit of advice, and a true cost in order to beat the seller of the car with.

I do not ever do track days.

I am a PCGB member, despite my profile indicating otherwise, but no idea how to change it.

 

[burrow01]

Maurice will probably be along in a min but some reading until then []

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=112751

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=112427

cheers

Pete

 

[burrow01]

Just noticed the milage on your car - has it had a hard life for the clutch and wishbones to require replacement or is that the normal life expectency for these components?

Pete

 

[968er]

The original dampers are sub standard and should never have been fitted on the car. If change the dampers you are better to change the springs to something that compliments the dampers. Cost all in would be roughly £1000 - 1200 and is money well spent.

 

[Guest]

Do I take it then (from reading those links) that you also need to have a wheel alignment done once you've replaced the springs and dampers?

 

[968er]

Yes, but not the kind carried out by kwik-fit, needs to be done be a specialist.

Welcome to the world of the 993[]

 

[burrow01]

Is there a need to change the springs if only the dampers are kaput?

I thought the main thing was to change the dampers for something more appropriate - Bilsteins etc, there should be no reason to change the springs at the same time unless you are looking to move to a Sports / Lowered setup?

cheers

Pete

 

[968er]

You need to match the springs to the dampers. By only changing the dampers you could end up with a worse or dangerous ride and for the sake of about £200 it is a false economy.

 

[algray]

There is no need to change springs as far as I'm aware the bilsteins were design to work with the 993s original setup, The choice is yours, I didn't change springs when I did mine.

Alex

 

[burrow01]

Hi

Would you have more technical detail on the differences between the standard and M030 Springs?

What are the % differences in the spring rates, at both ends of the scale if they are progressive springs, and would they be suitable for a Cab?

Is there a good technical reference for this type of detail?

Pete

 

[burrow01]

Hi Maurice,

Appreciate the comprehensive answer []

I'm sure I can source a PhD via the Internet - I'll get searching []

One more question (there is always one more..) what are SITS ... if I can get this type of information directly I can stop hassling you, and leave you time to drive

One extra extra question also - why the preference for a '96 onwards vehicle?

Pete

 

[Robertb]

Some parts dealers quote Bilstein Sport dampers, only Gert seems to use the term HD... are they the same?

Will the ride with HDs + H&R springs be massively hard and turn my 993 Targa into a scuttle-shaking bump-steering nightmare ? It currently rides well and handles fine in its 37k mile monroes, but saying that, I've no reference point to know whether its spot-on or not..

 

[pilotpaul]

Robert,

My Targa is currently undergoing some suspension work. It should be all be done in a day or two.

I'm having.....

• Bilstein HD's (the extra threaded ones.....)
• M033 springs
• Wishbone bushes upgraded to RS spec (originals are well past their sell-by date...)
• Geometry (of course....)

I'll post a report when the job is done - unless South-West London resembles Ice Station Zebra when the snow hits this week and I'll need a sled rather than a 993.....[]

I hope Maurice doesn't tell me I making a big mistake with the bushes......[]

PP.

 

[Robertb]

Indeed, keep us posted, provided we aren't all snowed in!

 

[Gordon Attar]

Dont worry about changing anything unless it needs it especially if you are not into trackdays.

Did you have the car inspected? If yes then they will have identified if they are faulty. If you are worried the dampers should suffice, springs arent known to need replacing.

My cars done 70k and needed a 4 wheel alignment as front tyres wearing on inside. I've had the car suspension inspected to check it over, I'm doing the dampers because they are not matched and Northway recommended they might as well be done as part of the alignment as they will probably be adjusting the bolts anyway.

 

[Robertb]

I've read Maurice's tech article about suspension etc, and for the avoidance of doubt, if my car has green shocks, does that mean it has M030? Are Monroes green? The springs are too dirty to make out any dots...

I note Gert has a tempting offer on for OEM M030 shocks and springs- is this worth considering as it is much cheaper than the HDs & MO30?