986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - Instructions for front strut replacement?

jakeru · 08-27-2015, 09:29 PM

I have two links for you:
Boxster Hacks and Instructions

Porsche Boxster Shocks & Spring Replacement - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

I like the balljoint press tool from harbor freight, although it does need some grinding/clearancing to fit around the shaft of the thick porsche ball joints. Easy if you have any sort of grinder (bench grinder, angle grinder, die grinder).
3/4" Forged Ball Joint Separator

I found it helpful to loosen the lateral a-arm bolts where they connect to the frame, so the lateral arm can be pressed down without fighting against torque in the rubber joint. This will upset the alignment, though. I didn't find it necessary to remove or loosen either end of the trailing arms (where they connect to frame or to lateral arm).

I believe any Macpherson spring compressor should work. You will need to remove the strut before being ready to compress the springs, though.

08-27-2015, 09:29 PM	#5
jakeru Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Greater Seattle, WA Posts: 534	I have two links for you: Boxster Hacks and Instructions Porsche Boxster Shocks & Spring Replacement - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article I like the balljoint press tool from harbor freight, although it does need some grinding/clearancing to fit around the shaft of the thick porsche ball joints. Easy if you have any sort of grinder (bench grinder, angle grinder, die grinder). 3/4" Forged Ball Joint Separator I found it helpful to loosen the lateral a-arm bolts where they connect to the frame, so the lateral arm can be pressed down without fighting against torque in the rubber joint. This will upset the alignment, though. I didn't find it necessary to remove or loosen either end of the trailing arms (where they connect to frame or to lateral arm). I believe any Macpherson spring compressor should work. You will need to remove the strut before being ready to compress the springs, though.