Rear wheel hop

[Parrot356]

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?

[Parrot356]

bump - Anyone have any thoughts?

[BYprodriver]

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

[Topless]

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.

[MConte05]

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.

[Parrot356]

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

[jcb986]

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.

[MConte05]

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.

[Parrot356]

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.

[Chuck W.]

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.

[Parrot356]

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

[thstone]

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