Porsche 911 UK Enthusiasts Online Community Discussion Forum GB

Welcome to the @Porsche911UK website. Register a free account today to become a member! Sign up is quick and easy, then you can view, participate in topics and posts across the site that covers all things Porsche.

Already registered and looking to recovery your account, select 'login in' and then the 'forget your password' option.

Rear suspension bricked - but which parts?

RJG18

Trainee
Joined
10 Nov 2012
Messages
74
Hi All,

996C2 has recently developed a suspension problem, so I thought I'd get opinions on likely causes before booking it in to be checked out.

The rear suspension now feels like it's completely ineffective. Whenever the back wheels go over even a tiny bump or pothole it bumps into it so hard it makes the bodywork/glass and interior creak and groan, and is back-breaking. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like there is absolutely no rear suspension at all now - like the wheel carrying components are directly welded to the chassis. :)

Also, as a result the handling also feels very odd. There's no visible change to the ride height or wheel arch clearance, so it's not as if anything has collapsed or detached (as far as I can see from the outside).

So question is, has anyone had a similar experience and what is likely to have failed? Would it be springs? Or coffin arms/wishbones/etc? I'm assuming it wouldn't be shock absorbers because as I understand it that would make the suspension a bit bouncy and wayward, rather than hard?

thanks
 
Don't know much about the rear end (yet) but it does just have regular shocks so I can't think what has happened, but I'm sure if you have a good look then it will be obvious.

Why not take it Kwik-fit for a free check over if they still do that kind of thing. I'm sure if it's as significant as you say something will be obvious.
 
Easily the worst advice I have ever seen on here, take it to kwik fit? You're actually insane? They'd probably damage it lifitng it.

Anyway, from your description I would say your shocks are going. Also engine mounts could play a role...

Just don't take it to kwik fit, an indy is better who sees this car all days eveyday.

All these Porsches have very similar setups, seeing something a bit odd is obvious.
 
Hmm, bit of an over reaction... but what do I know.

I wasn't suggesting they rebuild and race tune his engine, more get it up on a lift (they can manage that) so you and they can have a look around - for free. Indy will charge you for a look probably.

Who's your local indy ?

Lee
 
Not my neck of the woods so never used them but a quick google of Porsche Geo West Sussex turned up http://www.austecporsche.com

If it's coffin arms these can be difficult to source at reasonable price at the moment. I think Hartech have recons??? Or try Chris at centre gravity. Doesn't sound like coffin arms though as these tend to creak on way out.
 
My closest Indy is Parr. There's also one in Kent whose name I can't recall now.

Not heard of Austec, so would be interested if anyone's had any experience with them. I notice on their website that their chief mechanic has a beard, so that's alway a good sign ;)
They also collect/deliver from my location.

Agree about kwik-fit (unfortunately). Don't really want a 16 year old untrained YTS kid going at my car with his hammer.
 
:old: I like your evaluation system :)

Whilst it's a bit cheeky if you aren't going to give them business, Chris at centre gravity will probably be able to give you a good idea over the phone of what the problem is. He was spot on with mine.

While I was there another turbo came in for suspension work. They were having an overnight break nearby just so that he could do the work. If you fancy an autumn break near Sutton Coldfield I definitely recommend them... Sutton Coldfield perhaps less so :)
 
... Why are the best Porsche Specialists in places that are hard to get to, and that you wouldn't want to live in, or even visit... (Sutton Coldfield, Bolton, etc)

I fully expect to come on here to see threads like: "IMS bearing retrofit you say? The only place I would trust to do that is Barrytech & Classic, on the ring road just outside Mordor... "
 
Never heard of Austec either and their info about the staff experience
mentions TVR, Morgan, Lotus but nothing about Porsches :dont know:
 
I believe the guy who runs Austec is a member on here and has a 996tt himself. Unfortunately, I forget his forum name.
 
eca02apc said:
I believe the guy who runs Austec is a member on here and has a 996tt himself. Unfortunately, I forget his forum name.

Ummmm, they used to be a TVR garage, looks like they have swapped, not sure how good they are, where every average in the TVR world, some liked them some did not...
 
forever said:
Ummmm, they used to be a TVR garage, looks like they have swapped, not sure how good they are, where every average in the TVR world, some liked them some did not...

It looks like they have two website front pages - a TVR specialists website and a Porsche specialists website. Not a criticism, just pointing out that it doesn't look like they've abandoned TVR to specialise in Porsche instead.


And while we're on it - back to the original topic - anyone got any further suggestions as to likely cause of suspension symptoms? Working democratically, the votes seems to be:

- Shock Absorbers (1 vote)
- Don't Know (1 vote)
- Take it to Kwik-Fit because they have a ramp (1 vote)
- Ask someone with a beard (1 vote)


So, one more vote for shocks, and I'm going with shocks...
 
eca02apc said:
I believe the guy who runs Austec is a member on here and has a 996tt himself. Unfortunately, I forget his forum name.

I think that'd be "Johnny Dangerous"!
 
My head says shocks but my heart says beardy man :dont know:
 
Don't rule out a broken spring. The first thing I'd do is jack it up and check for a break in the spring near the end and for any visible signs of leaks from the shocks.
 

New Threads

Trending content

Forum statistics

Threads
126,815
Messages
1,473,952
Members
52,401
Latest member
GDCinUK
Back
Top