Squeaking suspension bushes

[anil_sharad@yahoo.co]

Hi Guys,

Have any of you suffered what seems to be a common Boxter and 996 malady in that the suspension bushes squeak - expecilly when braking. Mr car's been doing that off an on for the last 2 years, but has progressively gotten worse. I get it mainly from the front suspension. Handling seems completely unaffected.

HP Motorsports advised (who did a brilliant job of servicing by the way - they even collected and returned the car from my home FOC) that the usual remedy is to replace the suspension arms which are £200 each plus VAT, plus labour. They also advised that it's possible to fit polycarbonate bushes which are harder and designed for racing, but seem to be a permenant fix. For all my fronts, they are quoting £230+VAT fitted.

Seems a bargain - have any of you experienced that squeak and what alternatives to fixing have you used?

Any experience and advice Re. use of polycarbonate bushes would be gratefullly received...



Thanks, Anil.

 

[Lancerlot]

A silicone aerosol spray may do the trick. Polycarbonate bushes provide a more positive but less compliant set up for road use.

Regards,

Clive

 

[minny]

The commonest cause of the squeak is from the lower wishbone (AKA coffin arms) inner bushes wearing. The only problem with replacing the worn bush with polyurethane is that the outer ball joint is still worn. Sometimes worn antiroll bar bushes can also cause the same squeak. Best thing to to is to spray the lower bush with silicone lubricant first to see if it disappears. If it does, replace the coffin arms. If it doesn't spray the antiroll bar bushes with lubricant to see if it helps. These are both common causes of the noise you describe. Frazer part and Hartech sell refurbished coffin arms for a decent price. It takes under an hour a side to replace. The wheel alignment should not be affected by the replacement.

 

[gazzy]

When I removed my coffin arms I found that the squeak was from the ball joint so I removed the rubber gaitor,which is held on with a wire clip,filled it with grease,and it's been quiet since.

 

[chriscoates81]

I've heard that old droplinks can squeak when there worn and when they get really old they stop squeaking. I hope that kind of makes sense.

 

[zeb]

Its your coffin arms definately

 

[anil_sharad@yahoo.co]

Thanks Dave.

I've taken my car to HP Motorsports and they confirm that the solution is to change the rubber bushes. They recommend polycarbonate & whilst it's a little more unforgiving over bumps, they say they've not had any comebacks & think it's a permamant fix. The car's being picked up on Monday so I'll let you know what I think on Tuesday...

Anil.