rear suspension noise over tar strips

[flaps10]

I'm hoping this is a quick question. My car drives quite solidly with no vibrations to speak of and no rattles, er, except one.

When I'm at 25-ish on a street with heavy tar strips I get a noise right behind me - literally behind and to the left of my chest (left hand drive car).

I did a search on this forum and found it could be a few things but seems likely it is a Track Arm.

In doing a search on ebay I find a piece called a Link Track Arm
Porsche 986 Boxster 97 04 Rear Suspension Control Arm Link Track Arm 98633114304 | eBay

and a Track Rod Link
997 331 045 04 245 03 Porsche Cayman Boxster 987 Rear Suspension Track Rod Link | eBay

Now, blindly I could order the Link Track Arm but just want to make sure it is a link which transmits load to a position up behind my back.

Also, is it required to purchase the entire link rather than press new bushings into the existing casting?

[thstone]

Before you buy anything, get your car up in the air and get under it and inspect everything. Pull, push, prod, poke, and you'll eventually find the culprit.

Trying to decide what part to replace based on the noise alone is not likely to identify the correct part (unless you are already an expert mechanic or you're really, really lucky).

[Pdwight]

I want to follow this

[Jager]

Here is where your problem is:



Replace this arm and problem solved.

My experience when my Boxster was up and off the ground and inspecting all the joints, I could not make this arm rattle or make any loose noise when grabbing and twisting it.

[Pdwight]

I recently had a 4 wheel alignment, if I replace that would a realignment be necessary ?

I have a similar noise on the passenger side.

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by Jager

Here is where your problem is:



Replace this arm and problem solved.

My experience when my Boxster was up and off the ground and inspecting all the joints, I could not make this arm rattle or make any loose noise when grabbing and twisting it.

Yep, that's the fix. Theres also a way to repair the bushing. It involves essentially knurling the bushing housing into the control arm. I don't have the link, but it's either here or on rennlist.

[Brad Roberts]

It involves essentially knurling the bushing housing into the control arm

Keep me away from people who are doing that.. LOL OMG.. *really*?? If you cannot afford to repair these cars properly? Then sell it. "When, not IF" the monoball comes loose again in the arm?? you now end up with CRAZY rear wheel steering *probably* putting you in a ditch..

Replace the arms with factory OE parts (Pankl supplied them to Porsche, TRW MADE them for Pankl)

[tonythetiger]

Originally Posted by Jager

Here is where your problem is:







Replace this arm and problem solved.



My experience when my Boxster was up and off the ground and inspecting all the joints, I could not make this arm rattle or make any loose noise when grabbing and twisting it.

True dat


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[RandallNeighbour]

If you can get away with not disconnecting the three point arm to which this trailing arm connects (it's the one with the ball joint at the hub and the alignment setting bolt at the frame you can get away without an alignment.

BTW, this is definitely a DIY job to swap this out, but be patient, it fits into each end very tightly and will not be the easiest thing you've done. I had to give up, drink a beer, and come back and give it another go before I figured out which end should go on first and eventually get it done.

[Pdwight]

I learned a long time ago that when working on a project if you start talking about it's Mother to walk away and give your brain and your patience a break. I recently did this on my secondary Cat job.

Question can the bushing be replaced or is a replace the entire arm....and if doing one should both be replaced at the same time ?

[TeamOxford]

Replace both trailing arms.

OEM ones from TRW are available from Pelican Parts:

Porsche Boxster (1997-2004) - Suspension, Shocks & Springs - Page 3

Rebuilt ones with polyurethane bushings are available from Vertex Auto (with core exchange).

I went with the TRW ones.

Just sayin'...........

TO

[pjq]

Thanks for the picture Jager, it makes the thread easy to follow.

[Brad Roberts]

Somebody is rebuilding these with poly bushings?? WTF?? LOL Next time I'm through Vertex area? I'll be sure to stop in a smack them in the side of the head.

The arm they are *rebuilding*?? Has a FRIGGIN MONOBALL in it from the factory!! Why in the hell would you go Urethane?? LOL

Yes, these are wearing out. Yes, this is the problem.

Yes you can swap these out without changing the alignment. I do these at the track in 10min per side with the under tray ON.

[Pdwight]

If you were closer I would buy you a case of Beer to help me

I appreciate the info, definitely a job to do before winter. I get a little noise on a gravel road from the passenger side only....but they are both the same age so both it will be.

I went to the Vertex site and ...WOW...3.6 rebuilt engines ........hhmmmm one day maybe. I didn't see nay rebuilt arms however ??

Thanks for all the great information everyone.

Sincerely
Dwight

[TeamOxford]

Originally Posted by Brad Roberts

Somebody is rebuilding these with poly bushings?? WTF?? LOL Next time I'm through Vertex area? I'll be sure to stop in a smack them in the side of the head.

Originally Posted by Pdwight

I didn't see any rebuilt arms however ??

Here they are:

Porsche Boxster Rebuilt Upgraded Rear Track Control Arm Only $149 | eBay

The OEM number is: 986-331-043-07

TO

[EJ-Fresno]

Now I know what that frigging noise is coming from, and how to fix it...

[KRAM36]

I just ordered the 986 rear track arms for my car. Now I'm curious to why the 987 is better?

987

986

[WillH]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

I just ordered the 986 rear track arms for my car. Now I'm curious to why the 987 is better?

987

986

Asked about the adjustable ones but haven't heard back. Will go with the 986 arms unless there is a reason to justify the price difference between the adjustable ones or 987 ones compared to stock 986

[WillH]

Does anyone torque the frame bolts with it loaded on the ground like the Bentley manual states to do? I put it to 118lb ft with it in the air. Doesn't look easy to do on the ground.

[Pdwight]

I did mine in the air