Rear wheel hop
 

I have a 2001 S (manual) with 60,000 miles that I purchased a few months ago. When I turn right and accelerate it feels like the passenger rear tire is loosing grip and hopping as it becomes unweighted. That is the best way I can describe it. I just replaced the engine mount which was shot and this cured the hop I was getting when I accelerated hard going straight but not the right turn. It doesn't seem to happen turning left. The rear bushings, Trans mounts and control arms appear to be ok based on a visual inspection and I don't see any oil leaking from the struts. I can compress the rear suspension pretty easily when the wheel is off and I lift up on the rotor lower control arm assembly.

I am thinking that my struts may be worn, but before spending the money and time to replace I thought I would ask for thoughts or other suggestions of where to look.

On a slightly different note, the steering/handling appears to be a bit 'darty' when driving on worn roads or hitting expansion joints. Is this normal?

bump - Anyone have any thoughts?

1st guess is worn strut. Replacing them with new or stiffer version should improve your issue regardless.

Difficult to accurately diagnose over the internet without experiencing it but wheel hop or inside wheel spin under hard acceleration in corners is pretty common on a race track. We have an open differential which can lose traction and hop in tight corners. This should be avoided as it puts a lot of wear and tear on your transaxle pinion bearing requiring trans replacement (don't ask me how I know this). A gentle right foot that makes the most out of corner exit without wheel spin or wheel hop is the best approach. :cheers:

Worn damper. I had the same problem on hard left turns under acceleration, violent wheel hoping. Bought some used Boxster S rear struts, solved all my issues. :)

Looks like I was on the right path. Time to research and buy new parts to make it a winter project.

My thoughts are the struts or control arm or both. Guess the previous owner did a lot of hard rights. My 2000S with 71K with a TIP still has a very tight suspension. After replacing the final drive axle seal and while the car was in the air we discovered the the right rim has a mild bent area, yes the right side.

If you want to replace everything, can't go wrong with the ROW M030 kit from Suncoast. $1k gets you new swaybars, struts and springs. Killer deal.

The previous owner lived in New Mexico. Based on the amount of dust and dirt I am guessing she lived by or on a dirt road which I am sure the suspension didn't like.

I have been batting back and forth the M030 (actually $1250 for the S) and doing an off brand coil over for about the same money. I plan to track the car but don't want it too stiff for cruising around town. I am leaning toward the M030 because of the genuine parts, the sways, and seems like the best of both worlds.

On my 993s I ran the M030 springs with Bilstein HDs. It was a great set up. I am not sure what struts are OEM for the Boxsters, but for the 993 they were Monroes and not very good.

Replaced the right rear strut with a used unit today. Seems like the issue has been solved.

If one damper was worn enough to warrant replacement, the other three are not far behind.