Most economical 986 front strut replacement path
 

I have a 2002 base 986 with 136k on it, both my front struts are leaking and I think the car is essentially running on the springs at this point. I have a pretty bad steering wheel shake that I think the shot struts are a major contributer to.

I'm going to attempt a DIY replacement, based on research so far it doesn't seem TOO scary and I've tackled a lot of other DIY jobs on the car successfully.

I'm trying to figure out the best path forward without breaking the bank. So far this seems the most economical path:

2 BILSTEIN 22113313 B4 OE Replacement Struts from rock auto: $430

2 Front Strut Mounts 99734301801 from rock auto: $60

2 Bump stops 99634330102 from rock auto: $10

I'm able to borrow the spring compression tool from a neighbor, is there anything else I should order ahead of tackling this?

Thanks as always for the help!

I would replace the bearings as well while you have it all apart.

Other things to consider:
- The sway bar end link might not come out in a good shape. Either have new ones before you start or be prepared to take a few days longer if you need to order.
- The struts have a small clip to which a cable attaches. Old ones tend to break.

The front struts are the easy ones.

If you are doing your swaybar drop links might as well do the swaybar bushings too.

Thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate it! So far I have:

2 BILSTEIN 22113313 B4 OE Replacement Struts from rock auto: $430

2 Front Strut Mounts 99734301801 from rock auto: $60

2 Bump stops 99634330102 from rock auto: $10

2 Front Strut bearings from Pelican: $64

2 Sway bar end links from Pelican: $42

2 sway bar bushings from Pelican: $17

Looks like a bit over $600 for everything above, then whatever shipping costs. Not too horrendous! :)

is 23mm the front oem size for swaybars? I repalced my endlinks - they were toast. Car went from completely warbling over potholes to feeling planted again. I don't think my struts are leaking, but my chassis is high mileage.


Struts were on my shortlist for all four corners (along with probably throwing money at other arms/bushings/control arms). Look forward to your report.

Those were the swaybars that showed up as the stock ones, but now you have me second guessing it, thankfully I didn't order them yet. 😬

Check https://www.koni.com/products-car-special-active as well, there are lots of Boxster drivers with these and sware on it.

Im a big fan of the Koni Special Active setup for our cars. I even use them for the track, as does I think steved0x here on the forum. They are not what I would consider economical in the sense of rock bottom price, but they are amazing for what they are and excellent value for the money.

Re: wobbling - Get your wheels, tires, and CV axles* checked out by a shop as worn tires, alignment, condition of CV axles*, and wheel weights can impact what you described.

This page is a good reference - CB-Racing, 986 Suspension Info

Super helpful, that page lists them as 23.1mm so I think these will fit my 2002 base 986.

Additional question, these are not different for right and left, the same part fits both sides of the car?

I had a chance to jack the car up today and get some pictures and videos of the suspension components. I would hugely appreciate if anyone could take a quick look at the uploads and let me know if they agree that the struts need replacing along with all the other components mentioned above. I don't mind doing it if needed, just money is tight and I don't want to replace things that don't need replacing. :)

I did spot some super suspect tie rod ends, to my untrained eye they look completely shot ( pictures also uploaded with the others ). Is it possible that these could be the cause of my steering wheel shake at 70mph?

The pictures and videos can be found here.

Thank you so much in advance to anyone that can take a quick look.

In case folks are not wanting to click into the Google photo album I've uploaded a few of the pictures here if it's easier ( there's a load more in the album, and some video ).

These are the tie rod ends, and then an example of one of the struts.

Thank you again!