986 suspension refresh: time to say goodbye to piggly wiggly! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

evan9eleven · 11-16-2021, 01:42 AM

Wiggly steering that is...

My 2004 Boxster S has had to deal with a lot of speedbumps since retiring to the sunshine of Spain from Germany. Soon 18 years old with all original suspension, and 92K kms (57K miles) on the clock, the steering is getting a bit vauge and jittery when driving on uneven pavement. Especially noticeable at low speeds. Not noticeable on the highway or hard cornering, and no noises whatsoever. But it isn't what it once was or should be.

I've had a good experience with Elephant Racing on my 911, so I'm considering their most basic suspension "restoration" which runs $778. Not terrible as Porsche parts go, and I'd like an easy package that will freshen things up. Would rather not put megabucks into this job, but will do what is needed to get it right again.

No doubt you guys have other suggestions as well... lay 'em on me.

Starter986 · 11-16-2021, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan9eleven

Wiggly steering that is...

My 2004 Boxster S has had to deal with a lot of speedbumps since retiring to the sunshine of Spain from Germany. Soon 18 years old with all original suspension, and 92K kms (57K miles) on the clock, the steering is getting a bit vauge and jittery when driving on uneven pavement. Especially noticeable at low speeds. Not noticeable on the highway or hard cornering, and no noises whatsoever. But it isn't what it once was or should be.

I've had a good experience with Elephant Racing on my 911, so I'm considering their most basic suspension "restoration" which runs $778. Not terrible as Porsche parts go, and I'd like an easy package that will freshen things up. Would rather not put megabucks into this job, but will do what is needed to get it right again.

No doubt you guys have other suggestions as well... lay 'em on me.

I'm on their website... and the "restoration" kit for my 98 runs $3,640. **************** that.

Is your price in the sevens because it's an 04? I ran the 04 year... only comes up Boxster and not 911. Where are you getting that $700+ from?

****************.

evan9eleven · 11-16-2021, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starter986

I'm on their website... and the "restoration" kit for my 98 runs $3,640. **************** that.

Is your price in the sevens because it's an 04? I ran the 04 year... only comes up Boxster and not 911. Where are you getting that $700+ from?

****************.

Their suspension bulder doesn't seem to work in all web browsers. I had the same problem with Chrome on Mac and tried Safari instead. Then I got a question about Boxster with or without PASM, that choice wasn't available in Chrome:

This is the page I get up in Chrome, something strange happening. I'll let them know when I call them later today.

elav · 11-16-2021, 07:51 AM

I think the thing that is interesting about ER is that they sell parts to refurbish - like the bushings for the wishbone. Has anyone done this?

Starter986 · 11-16-2021, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan9eleven

Their suspension bulder doesn't seem to work in all web browsers. I had the same problem with Chrome on Mac and tried Safari instead. Then I got a question about Boxster with or without PASM, that choice wasn't available in Chrome:

This is the page I get up in Chrome, something strange happening. I'll let them know when I call them later today.

Thank you for the clues. That $$$$$$$ price was all in, and not customized. I did get a few 'error' boxes but navigated through the builder. Me... I'd have some questions before ordering (from Pros on this forum) about what is/isn't necessary.

Thanks, again! I'm going to bookmark that site.

evan9eleven · 11-16-2021, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starter986

Thank you for the clues. That $$$$$$$ price was all in, and not customized. I did get a few 'error' boxes but navigated through the builder. Me... I'd have some questions before ordering (from Pros on this forum) about what is/isn't necessary.

Thanks, again! I'm going to bookmark that site.

OK, so I just spoke to ER on the phone. They are having some website issues, and of course that means that the lower priced of those packages are not complete.

Basic refresh including struts/dampers is $2732. I asked for a quote for the bare minimum to cure my steering issues and that puts me at $1432. No struts. Tie rods are the big culprit I'm told. Nothing is ever cheap for these cars of course, but this is probably what I'll go with.

1thenaton1 · 11-16-2021, 03:35 PM

Definitely replace the struts as well. With everything already coming apart it will not increase cost much and driving a handling car with 20 yr old struts is, not smart

Stl-986 · 11-16-2021, 04:32 PM

wow things are really over priced across the pond.

dghii · 11-16-2021, 06:02 PM

BTW, Piggly Wiggly is a decent size grocery chain in the southeast US! Don't get confused with Hoggly Woggly, which is a chain of convenience stores in same area (really)!

elav · 11-16-2021, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stl-986

wow things are really over priced across the pond.

Elephant Racing is in California…

evan9eleven · 11-17-2021, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1thenaton1

Definitely replace the struts as well. With everything already coming apart it will not increase cost much and driving a handling car with 20 yr old struts is, not smart

Thanks for that. This is a good point. WYIT: While You're In There...

PLP · 11-17-2021, 04:56 AM

Depends what manufacturers (URO or Porsche) and place you buy from.

I did a full refresh for less than 2'000 USD.
See below.

Stl-986 · 11-17-2021, 07:37 AM

What is so special about their parts compared to OEM?

evan9eleven · 11-22-2021, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLP

Depends what manufacturers (URO or Porsche) and place you buy from.

I did a full refresh for less than 2'000 USD.
See below.

That was well done!

evan9eleven · 11-22-2021, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stl-986

What is so special about their parts compared to OEM?

I’m making a guess here, but the most basic refresh they offer appears to be more or less with OEM bushings. The B6 struts and dampers look to be an upgrade. The advantage for me is that I’ve always had good experiences with Elephant Racing, and my case my car and I reside (mostly) in two different countries, so ordering from a bunch of sources is a bit impractical. ER is a one-stop solution.