Sway bars links replacement: Original vs ?
 

Hey guys,

So it seems that I'm having some sway bar link noise when going over bumps. Porsche quoted about 100€/each sway bar link + 80€ for installation. After googling I was able to find many other Sway bar links available for as low as 25-45€ each (I.e https://m.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-986-BOXSTER-FRONT-REAR-Stabilizer-Sway-Bar-Drop-Links-LEFT-RIGHT-4-/150844832499 ) . I'm still thinking to go for the original ones, but I'm not sure if it's worth the cost.

Any opinions on this one ?

Thanks!

When you say you're having noise going over bumps, where is the noise coming from and does it only happen at slower speeds?

Gee… $80 Euros for installation..?

It is a very simple job, if you get your car on ramps (not on stands), it should take you at the most one half hour.

It sounds from the rear right side, like a clunk or a "wooden tick" or something close. It happens when going on low speed and especially when there are many small bumps

Can you get TRW over there? Or Meyle? Both are very good aftermarket if you don't want to or can't get the Porsche branded ones (that I think are made by TRW anyway).

You may want to check out this thread.

http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/53590-rear-suspension-noise-over-tar-strips.html

It could be your Track "trailing" Arms.

Thanks but wouldn't Porsche specialist already have found it, if that was the issue? They said that I need to change the two front Sway bar links for sure but they said that the rear ones are OK. They asked me to loosen up the back of the car, in order to identify the source of the noise?!

If these in the link are Hamurg Technik, avoid like the plague. Personally, I'd go with Lemfoerder for suspension/steering parts if they're available. They're OEM for Mercedes and superb quality.

You may need the front sway bar links replaced. I don't think that's going to take care of the noise issue you're having in the rear. Read the thread and get back with your Porsche specialist about it.

Sway bar links, aka drop links, are not an expensive item, are easily replaced as a diy by the most minimally mechanically inclined, and may or may not fix your problem. TRW is fine, no need to pay the Porsche tax!

Thabks. What about the Lemförder brand ? Does anyone know which brand is the OEM for this?

I agree. Napa know how. Save your money for other expensive OEM parts you will need in the future. Jinxed.