924Board.org

bwe243 · Joined: 04 Aug 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Arlington, VA

Greetings!,

I just bought an 87 924S about a month ago as a project car--and so far all I need to is aesthetics--but I noticed something amiss yesterday.

I had suspected that the front passenger shock may be bad, as it groans over big speed bumps, but what I realized that the tire is rubbing. Odd, because I replaced all tires with the OE size (and the left side is fine). Looking at the car I noticed the passenger side front wheel sticks out about an inch, and there is almost a 1/2 inch difference in ride height from the passenger. It tracks fairly straight, but do have a pretty bad shimmy on the highway about 60-65.

I had the car aligned, and it needed some adjustment, but was able to get both sides correct (albeit they are even, but not in spec).

The questions is, am I facing something as simple as a worn strut, or mounts? Could I have a phone dial on the car with the wrong offset? Or is is something more serious? My concern is bent expensive pieces. Interesting enough, it passed safety inspection and nothing was noted. Thoughts?

Paul · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 9:21 am Post subject:

Welcome to the board.

Wheel offsets are usually found near the valve stems.

Strut failure does not change the ride height.

Check your upper shock mount and your spring for damage.
_________________
White 87 924S "Ghost"
Silver 98 986 3.6l 320 HP "Frank N Stein"
White 01 986 "Christine"
Polar Silver 02 996TT. "Turbo"
Owned and repaired 924s since 1977
Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.

bwe243 · Joined: 04 Aug 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Arlington, VA

bcblase · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 574 Location: Winchester, VA

Hehe...sounds like you and I have the same car. After owning my car for a few months and replacing various suspension parts, I also noticed that the passenger side was about 1/2-inch lower than the driver side.

It turns out that my car was in an accident, and there was some damage to the passenger side that was repaired. I can tell by the replacement parts that were not installled properly, and the VW headlight adjustment cradle and ring that was used instead of the Porche ones. Also, one of my control arm rear mounts is bent slightly backwards.

In any case, you should replace any of the 20+ year old suspension parts that are bent or worn, including the springs, mounts, and struts. Take some spring height measurements and see what you get.

Welcome to the club!

BC
_________________
1987 Porsche 924S - track toy
1986 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16v - autocross
2007 F-150 5.4L Lariat Supercrew - tow beast
1994 Volvo 850 Race Wagon - 24 Hours of Lemons Car
2001 BMW 325xi - daily driver

bwe243 · Joined: 04 Aug 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Arlington, VA

I knew the car was in some type of front end at one point in its life, but as to the extent of the damage, I am not sure. I just hope it is nothing I can't unbolt and bolt on to the car. The susp. is worn, and it will need brakes all around.

Drop me a line, I've got family outside of Lovettsville and am up that way alot. Thanks for you help!