Rebuilt control arms

[bmnelsc]

Hello - I recently discovered that my low mileage S2 needs a ball joint. I've been looking for information/experience on rebuilt ones as factory new run about C$1200 per pair. I have found rebuild kits with both plastic bushes and bronze upper bushes as well as one company who machines out the control arm and installs a sealed unit (so only rebuild-able by them in future).

I understand the issues with lowered and tracked cars but it seems the rebuilts with the bronze upper bush are pretty reliable. Anyone here had any experience? Any advice?

Thanks

 

[zcacogp]

You'll get a variety of responses, from 'they are excellent - stronger than the originals' to 'avoid like the plague'. It seems that Hartech are the best of the bunch, who machine out the cup and install replacement a replacement seat and ball.

The alternative is to find some 968 wishbones, which are a direct fit.

Which side is duff on yours? I have a pair of replacement wishbones which are both worn out. However if you wanted one to rebuild, which could then be fitted on your car to minimise the time it is off the road, then send me a PM.


Oli.

 

[TTM]

968 wishbones/control arms are best avoided as they are not rebuildable like 944 ones - the lip with the circlip is missing, meaning impossible to remove the ball joints without grinding the arms. Lots of hassle, while 944 arms can be easily rebuilt.
I'm running rebuilt ones with poly bushes on both cars and have been pleased with them.

New units from Porsche will be 968 units, not rebuildable.

 

[zcacogp]

True - that the 968 ones aren't rebuildable. But anecdotal evidence seems to be that they last longer than the 944 ones (and are newer anyway), so some second-hand ones may well have a decent amount of mileage left in them.

And, if in doubt, keep your old 944 ones to have rebuilt when the 968 ones finally give up! [&:]


Oli.

 

[Super_Marv]

Hartech sell refurbed 968 arms.

For a racing/track 944, you might want their motorsport arms which have a better designed pin for the pinch bolt, IIRC.

 

[PSH]

IIRC I bought two replacement arms from Promax some years back for a reasonable price, perhaps give Andy a call for a price.

Pete

 

[bmnelsc]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp

Which side is duff on yours? I have a pair of replacement wishbones which are both worn out. However if you wanted one to rebuild, which could then be fitted on your car to minimise the time it is off the road, then send me a PM.


Oli.

Thanks Oli - I'm in Canada so getting them here is probably not worthwhile. I had a valve job myself at the end of April so haven't been using the car much yet this year - I think I'll just have to call it a short season and look at rebuilding my own arms.

Regarding the other responses - thank you - Its good to know the 968 arms are even more trouble when they go wrong. I have seen the rebuild kits with longer/stronger pins for lowered cars also. I'm still using mine for trips, etc. so I think I'll go for the bronze upper bush kit to retain a good ride but potentially improve handling a little.

Thanks again

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Good to know your on the mend Bruce - sort you and the '44 for next year.

 

[os951]

All arms can be rebuilt, also 968 ones. It just needs the right tools and some innovative thinking. All kind of repair kits are available. Avoid the ones with plastic parts. Usually plastic parts are good for some thousand km's/miles. You just need to check out first your control arms. Ifit is worn out badly, no repair kit can save it.
Most companies who advertise a rebuilt control arms are not doing the job themselves. Most of these arms comes from a company located in Slovenia....

Here's one repair i did over a year ago for a friend. So far arm has been working good.

Light mechanical cleaning

In parts. As usual plastic parts are broken

Glass beaded control arm

Repair kit

Putting back together

Under 951