Front shocks

[Vza]

Hi All, I am replacing my front bearings, tie rod ends and wishbone on my 99 Boxster. Considering that I have everything removed I decided to replace the shocks. Anything else I should consider while in there...springs/shock mounts etc..... Ok well now im seeing all dosent have to be removed(balljoints) so maybe I'll hold off on the shocks...any thoughts? Thanks v

[dghii]

Mileage? Do you know if shocks have already been replace? If original, it’s time! Do mounts as well (as long as we’re spending your money. Might also consider wheel bearing R/R while everything is apart.

[ddruker]

If your shocks are original, I would replace them for sure. Also replace the shock mounts, bearing plates and the bump stops - all are wear items. I just installed Bilstein B6's and the ride is much improved.

Shock - Bilstein 22-0465215
Bump Stop - 996-343-301-02
Bearing Plate - 996-343-515-05

Mount - 997-343-018-01


When you remove the shocks, take care to not shear off the clip that holds the break wear sensor wire - it's attached to the bottom rear of the shock. I forgot it was there and destroyed it.

[Vza]

Hard to tell if they're original....I mean they certainly look original....bump stops crumbled. I ordered shocks, mount kit with bumpers and bearing plate. New wheel bearings are already in the carriers. New shocks or mount kit dosen't come with a new 21mm strut bolt....is necessary to replace it?

[Vza]

Got 1 side completely done. Just a few things. Torquing the rearward bolt for the control arm was guesstimated ...I couldn't get in there w/ a torque wrench even with a crows foot. Dont have that torque extension tool you attach to a wrench. I got it on real tight comparable to wheel lug tightness(calls for 118 Ft Lbs) Next is the axle bolt....340 Ft Lbs ....really? Gona stand on a breaker bar at 19 inches ( I weight 208) What say all? V

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Vza

Got 1 side completely done. Just a few things. Torquing the rearward bolt for the control arm was guesstimated ...I couldn't get in there w/ a torque wrench even with a crows foot. Dont have that torque extension tool you attach to a wrench. I got it on real tight comparable to wheel lug tightness(calls for 118 Ft Lbs) Next is the axle bolt....340 Ft Lbs ....really? Gona stand on a breaker bar at 19 inches ( I weight 208) What say all? V

Looking forward to hear how the lug nut went.

[Vza]

I assume you meant the Axle bolt. I torqued to 140 ft lbs then stood on a breaker bar 19 inches out starting from parallel to the ground. I sunk down a ways and seemed about as tight as it was. Tracking it tomorrow will check around if someone has a 400lb torque wrench.

[Starter986]

Yes... axle bolt. 400 lb torque wrench? That should be interesting. Best wishes!

[Gilles]

Yes, a torque meter that reads 400+ lbs it was kind of pricey... so I opted for a Long breaker bar (1/2") with an impact socket and used the leverage method... 230lbs x the distance from the socket which was close to the end of the long breaker bar (to get the 400lbs)

I purchase this 1/2 breaker bar from HB for this purpose only and use it only a handfull of times, but the nut never came loose that means this method worked..

[Vza]

Yeah I know...they're over 300 dollars. I borrowed a torque wrench at the track today tweeked them to 340 give or take. They were close using the standing on the breaker bar method.