Strut questions
 

I have a '99 Boxster base with 64000 miles I picked up a couple of months ago. It had been driven only 7000 miles in the last 12 years and I haven't been able to find out any of it's history during that time.
I have read many, many posts here about your first Porsche and have been checking the many systems that might need maintenance. I have changed the engine oil, filter, air filter, cabin filter, fuel filter, tires (they were mfg'd in '06), the power steering fluid and am preparing to change the coolant. Also repaired several minor problems.
My question is about struts at 60k+ miles. I removed the front ones yesterday to replace the bump stops and found that while the struts show no signs of leaking, they don't appear to have much gas charge in them. Are they supposed to extend to max under gas pressure or not?
Any guidance appreciated.

Yes, if you've removed the top hat to change the bump stop, the shock should return to the top of its travel.

I'd replace them.
And i'd use it as an excuse to upgrade, Haha.

By the way, don't forget the brake fluid, on your list of things to change.

Have fun!


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If your thinking of replacing your coolant, you may want to give the coolant tank a close look first. If its the original from 99 it may be getting a bit yellow and brittle. You'd hate to put in new coolant and then have the tank rupture and lose most of it.
Changing the coolant tank is a bit of a bugger, but many on this forum have attempted it and lived to talk about it!!!:o

Thanks for the quick replies guys! I have done the brakes and changed the gearbox oil (5 speed). I have thought about the age of the coolant tank and watched a couple of Utube videos.....sheesh, what a job. I would hate to shoot myself in the foot and cause more work.
The front struts were pretty easy to remove.....the rears look a bit more difficult ....we'll see.
Oh yeah, one other question. Do the rear aluminum bars and pan that has to be removed to change the gearbox oil have anything to do with the rear alignment?

I had my 98 up on jacks all around... removed the aluminum bars and the pan and, when I completed my maintenance... everything went right back into place. I believe so long as you're not changing jack stands positions... you should be fine.

Will it affect alignment... I've read upon this forum that it can... if you start moving those stands around... jacking up the car further... etc. I did not need an alignment on mine... as evidenced by perfect tire wear all around.

Set it, and forget it. :cheers:

Sounds like I'll be OK then. I had the car up on the Quick Jack and did not move it in any way. Thanks!!