Top mounts

[George Elliott]

Folks, wonder if someone could enlighten me, what is the reason for the semi-circular steel addition to a 968 top mount?
George
944t

 

[Neil Haughey]

ISTR its a balance weight tuned to reduce noise. The reason why I say that is I recall something claiming the newer top mount had a noise damper yet the weight is the only difference I can see on them. BTW this only came out well into 968 production, our k reg 968 came with top mounts and castor mounts identical to the earlier 944 S2/turbo.

 

[bmnelsc]

My 1991 S2 has a semi-circular metal piece on the top side of the strut mount. Not sure about noise reduction - I believe the new design was to strengthen the bearing holder (more metal - less rubber) and reduce flexibility to improve handling (less deviation in alignment under cornering stresses). I understand the new design lasts a lot longer than the earlier mounts. They should too - the local dealer quoted me CDN$ 720 EACH. I have seen them on the web for around US$ 400 each. Cheaper to replace with adjustable camber plates which provide even less deflection under stress but do increase noise as the rubber insulation is gone.

Here we are on Pelican Parts web site which lists these mounts for 944/944S/Turbo (1987-88), 944 Turbo (1986-88), S2 and 968s as follows:
951-343-018-04-OEMFront Suspension Mount, For Cars Without Height Adjustable Struts (2 per car, sold individually) 944S2 (1989-91), 968 (1992-95), Each
Brand: Genuine Porsche [More Info]$503.75
Pelican does show a different part number for S/S2/Turbos with adjustable suspension (M030 option).

Paragon products lists the following:

Strut Mount Our Price: $441.90

Fits Porsche 944 1987, 1988 and 1989 Late model cars
- Porsche 944S 1987 and 1988
- Porsche 944S2 1989, 1990 and 1991
- Porsche 944 Turbo 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991
- Porsche 968 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995

 

[George Elliott]

Bruce, thanks, yes that is the part and a good image of the odd additional steel section.
what was it intended to do, perhaps it was just a nvh improvement as suggested?
thx again
George
944t