Noisy Boxster Rear Suspension

[Stefan]

Can you comment on the strength of the fork end? The stock one looks much thicker and sturdier. Also, I'd be curious about the weight.

[CJ_Boxster]

Well that was my concurn also before i received them, I was worried the fork end wouldnt be sturdy enough but not anymore after looking at it, The fork end is actually really really heavy and strong, I cant bend it or flex it at all with my bare hands. Its really thick but the pictures dont really show it.

[CJ_Boxster]

Here, I attached a picture of the fork end of the control arm, I measured it and its slightly over 1/8 inch thick, Im not 100% sure its steel but its heavy and impossible for me to flex or bend with my hands.

[CJ_Boxster]

Ok yesterday i installed the passenger side Adjustible Rear Control Arm... which was the noiseiest control arm on the car, The Control arm went right in, I had to remove it to readjust the length cause i didnt measure it correctly at first but once i finished i noticed ALOT of things different about the drive of the car. Now, i dont here the chatter in the rear suspension while going over bumps, I dont hear the clack clack when i rapidly accelerate then release the accelerator. The rear-end feels alittle more solid and doesnt feel sloppy as it did before, Its probably all in my head but i do remember hearing a slight clack when accelerating from 0mph and also when reversing and rolling slightly forward while parking in the street... I dont get any of that anymore.

I inspected the old worn control arm and you all might be suprised but bearing had only about a fraction of a millimeter of play... Amazing how much noise can generate from a fraction of a millimeter of play. Saturday I will be installing the drivers side control arm and snaping more photos for a write up.

[CJ_Boxster]

Hey forum members that are watching this thread, I made a "Do It Yourself" Write-up with pictures of the process, Its alot of steps but takes about 1 hr 30 minutes each side. The Write-up is just very detailed to prevent any snags along the way that any DIY'ers may encounter.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12646

[Stefan]

Awesome writeup, CJ. Were you able to feel the play in the old control arm before you took it off the car? I don't want to replace parts that don't need it so I'd like to diagnose the problem. I recently replaced one of the front upper control arms and it made a huge improvement (fix rattling and made the front feel tighter). The front one took less than a half hour and that included looking for tools I had misplaced.

[CJ_Boxster]

Awesome writeup, CJ. Were you able to feel the play in the old control arm before you took it off the car? I don't want to replace parts that don't need it so I'd like to diagnose the problem. I recently replaced one of the front upper control arms and it made a huge improvement (fix rattling and made the front feel tighter). The front one took less than a half hour and that included looking for tools I had misplaced.

Yes i felt about a fraction of a millimeter of play in the passenger side which was the noisiest side, the drivers side didnt really have any play but now the entire rear end feels tighter. Lastnite i was driving spiritedly about the off ramps in my area and the car feels alot more sure footed than before.

[liifesfun]

CJ

Another thank you for a great write up, I suspect that I may end up doing this job and know it will be invaluable. Its generousity of time and sharing like this that makes the world go round.

Bruce

[CJ_Boxster]

Thank you Bruce. I just want to give something back to the forums since they have been good to me & giving me lots of help and information.