Shock absorbers

Wooly · 12 Mar 2006

How can I tell if my shock absorbers are worn to the point of needing replacement? Also, what would you all recommend (ie type/brand) if new ones are needed?

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Shed17 · 12 Mar 2006

If you have nothing in the history saying that they have been changed, chances are you still the original ones which will need replacing, whether they have done 10k or 100k. The originals were crap and need to be replaced by a quality damper to appreciate the handling of the car

If unsure run it to your local shop and ask them to have a look.

Would recommend the Bilstein HD's and if you are changing the springs, which would be a good idea as well, go for the H&R sport.

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Robertb · 13 Mar 2006

I'm in a similar dillemma myself- my car feels absolutely fine, no pitching or poorly controlled feel. Two different specialists plus the PPI says the shocks are fine. And yet everyone says that the original Monroes will be dead.

My inclination is that if it feels fine, and specialists say is it fine, then it probably is.

That said, there would undoubtledly be a benefit in getting the Bilsteins/H&R combo as they are simply superior.

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Used Porsche · 13 Mar 2006

"My inclination is that if it feels fine, and specialists say is it fine, then it probably is."

I agree!

The rest is superstition, smoke and mirrors, post rationalisation and vested interests at work.

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Westyman · 13 Mar 2006

Previous poster said:
Quote: Originally posted by Stevo on 13 March 2006

"My inclination is that if it feels fine, and specialists say is it fine, then it probably is."I agree!The rest is superstition, smoke and mirrors, post rationalisation and vested interests at work.

Having read many comments that at 50-60k a 993 will need front wishbones, clutch and springs/dampers my 53k 993 Targa has been through 2 MOT's in my ownership and thoroughly checked by specialists, no issues reported, car is in excellent shape.

The specialists view has been, wait until the clutch slips, or the car just doesn't drive right, no point in spending the money if it doesn't need the work doing.

Of the 53k, the first 30k over 3 yrs were commuting up and down the M6. The next 13k over 5 yrs again were mainly for commuting but the owner had an M5 and a Ferrari to use as well so the 993 was stuffed to the back of the garage. The 10k i've done in the car is certainly not pottering around town as it is a second car and is used purely for pleasure.

I', sure a lot of people have found their 993 to be significantly better following new suspension but like Stevo I'm yet to be convinced about the argument that everything is knackered at 50k-60k and must be replaced.

John

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Shed17 · 15 Mar 2006

It all comes down to how you drive the car and also what your execpectations are!

If it feels fine then leave it. I was unhappy with the ride and changed. Was told that when the dampers came off they looked fine, but were not operating at 100%

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Wooly · 15 Mar 2006

Thanks for all the comments. This is my first 993 so I have nothing to compare it with (BTW it has 35k miles on the clock). However, one thing I have noticed is that for the first mile of driving (having not had her out for a week say) I can hear the movement in the shocks - the sound is a sort of squeaky/grating noise. This noise then goes away and all seems fine.

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Fuchs · 16 Mar 2006

Wooly - the squeaking noise could just be anti roll bars that need a lube - have a read in 911 & PW this month, one of the readers wives cars had the same issue.

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Robertb · 16 Mar 2006

Mine does that too, on cold days mainly...

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Pixelation · 16 Mar 2006

Mine does the same - squeaky as hell over the speed ramps at the end of my road and then once warmed up - nothing. Again though I'm considering the suspension upgrade when funds allow.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 49368

Wooly · 16 Mar 2006

Thanks guys - i'll do some "lubeing" and see if that helps. If anyone does change their shocks and notices any improvement in handling, please post as it would be good to know.

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