896 Knocking noise from rear quarter passenger side

[ragman]

New to the forum so I'm checking to see if there are any updates. I have the same problem with knocking in the rear passenger side quarter panel (2003 S) over bumps at low speeds (10-30mph), but I've also noticed it only happens when coasting. When I apply throttle the noise goes away. Took it in and the repair shop said it was rear struts, which they replaced but the noise is still there. They have had it apart for a couple of days but have not been able to isolate the problem. Any updates?

TIA. Ragman.

[CJ_Boxster]

Originally Posted by ragman

New to the forum so I'm checking to see if there are any updates. I have the same problem with knocking in the rear passenger side quarter panel (2003 S) over bumps at low speeds (10-30mph), but I've also noticed it only happens when coasting. When I apply throttle the noise goes away. Took it in and the repair shop said it was rear struts, which they replaced but the noise is still there. They have had it apart for a couple of days but have not been able to isolate the problem. Any updates?

TIA. Ragman.

Its the rear upper control arm which makes that low speed knocking noise over bumps and cracks in the road... visual inspection of the arm will not show that the part is faulty, even shaking it around or hitting it with a rubber malet will not cause it to make any noise... so its pretty hard to a repairman who isnt experienced with that particular problem on that particular car to diagnose it. We have a site sponser by the name of Delubozparts who sells an Adjustible version of those control arms at less than half the cost of the OEM Upper Control Arm. Thats where I bought mine from and I love them!

[ragman]

CJ, thanks for the reply. I spoke with the shop yesterday and they said they had already tried a replacement upper control arm but the knocking was still there. It's back to the shop on Tuesday for more diag.

I may take it to another shop for a second opinion.

Ragman

[RandallNeighbour]

Vertex is now selling rebuilt upper control arms and lower control arms for the boxster. They state they use better bushings that will not wear out as fast.

The price is a lot cheaper compared to Sunset's price on these items.

Deluboz's stuff is adjustable and cheaper, but other threads show 2 issues with them: added weight and they're thicker and can create problems with one's rims and tires on the back.

I'm about to buy a bunch of suspension stuff and I'm going with the Vertex rebuilt items. Had I decided to buy lowering springs or coilovers, I'd have no choice but go with the adjustable aftermarket stuff to correct the alignment issues caused by dropping the car an inch or more.

Food for thought for owners of older boxsters in need of suspension parts... the things that go bump in the night (and day).