Menu toggle

944S front suspension dampers replacement

jellytott

Member
Hi
944S front dampers/shocks replacement for road use only
So summers over and its that time of year replacing the front dampers on my 944S winter layup hopefully, I've searched for information but haven't found an exact answer as several threads suggests rebuilds and then add into the mix old dated threads explaining costs and availability which is probably no-longer correct now.

So I suppose there's these options:
1-OPC parts still available?
2-Quality/OEM dampers at sensible prices?
3 Or am I into having to transplant new inner's into my existing suspension arms if so is there any that does this service?

Thanks in advance

John

 
There was an issue with someone buying new one from OPC that were actually about 15 years old so I wouldn’t bother doing that.


Nick Jackson at Nickson Motorsport will fit new Bilstein or Koni inserts for you (he can convert the sealed units too).

Alternatively it gets into a budget vs usage discussion quickly.


I’ve had Konis on my 2.7 and have KWs on my Twbo.
 
Thanks Eldavo

Thanks for the advice with OPC parts, so regarding the inserts route is there a preference between Koni or Bilsteins for me its purely a road use only car?
Hopefully, others may suggest other companies that do a rebuild service too.
Otherwise. I'm still open for options still.

Regards

John



Regards
 
GAZ gold is quite well priced and they do a rebuild service at £50 a corner. Mine lasted 9 years before I had them rebuilt (fronts as rears still good). The downside is it only fits on a lowered car. My car was already re-indexed when I got it so worked for me. KW is regarded as the best but is expensive. Bilstein inserts and a strut conversion seems the most common value for money choice and seems to work well.

Stuart
 
I guess it was about 10 years ago I replaced my 944T with OEM shocks and polybush suspension.
I've heard about OEM being sat on shelves. Personally would not see it as a problem if stored correctly providing bushings have not perished. Surely from OPC these would be under warranty if a unit failed. I always considered the conversion a bit of a hack and the KW expensive for road use.

However, getting the 944 suspension sorted is a rewarding experience and costs soon become a distant memory.
 
ECP and German and Swedish used to do the standard parts as well (though not always cheaper than Porsche) and may have a higher turnover of stock. Porsche do usually have a shelf life for parts, that was How I and others got a set of big blacks at an excellent price some time ago - they had reached the end of their shelf life.
In my experience the standard parts are a great improvement over 10 year old 100,000 mile originals, but if you avoid rear coil overs and want the car a little stiffer aftermarket can be similar in cost. Not sure if Gaz will do a set without rear coil overs - standard (adjustable) ride height front springs at a rate to match rears - leda used too but the management has changed since then. The B6s are a good but slightly firmer option - may be quite a lot firmer than the S as I think they only do one version for all models.
Tony
 
Thanks Scam75 for replying, I'm standard height car so will stay that way possibly will go done the Bilsteins.

John
 
Wibble and 944Turbo
You have similar answers with Shelf items, so remaining standard choices appear limited now sadly ECP show nothing and German & Swedish offering Boge inserters only at £49 the maker I have to say haven't heard of Boge before. I may give OPC a call to see if they have stock availability.

John

 
Boge were an original manufacturer but I would check your car has the struts with the screw on top cap as those inserts will only fit that type. (pre 85 and mk1 golf)

the later struts have a crimped top and are the ones used for B6 / Koni inserts as the crimp part has to be cut off and a threaded collar welded in for B6 or a hole drilled in the bottom for Koni

there are other offerings but as far as I could work out when I was looking they all lower the car by differing amounts mainly 20-30 mm

i have brand new at the time Porsche units they have done less than 20k, both flex and knock in the middle when at full extension for the MOT


 
Yes as above , my last standard replacements were labelled Sachs-Boge, If you fancy a gamble I think KYB did do some for certain models too, I had a set of rears supplied with my first 944 back in the late 90s (previous owner worked for a motor factors), they seemed well made and were comparable to new standard on valving - never heard of anyone else fitting them though and I am not certain they are available for later cars (86 on)

Tony
 
I looked at KYB they are big in the USA, and a cheap option for rears, but not found any fronts for the later crimp struts from KYB
 
Had a feeling KYB may not be available for the front post 86, though some websites seem to list them. my lux was an 86 with aluminium arms but early offset hubs - there is a different in fitment between early / late - the lugs on the hub are different thickness and the hole centers are slightly different.
Tony
 
Hi Guys

Sorry getting a bit fuzzy with options now.

I'm normally pretty good on these issues and getting your head round options with sourcing alternative parts and doing these things oneself.

Having this 944S year 1988 does it mean with present options not having a complete a "standard strut" so thers a limited availability the choice to replace the insert now meaning it drops the ride heigh depending the insert used, remember this is only a road use car and keeping it original not interested in lowering the ride height lowering at all. I'll check out the current struts fitted to see if it's a screw top or crimped top and come back to you guys.

John
 
Ok 1988 will be crimped top,

option 1
standard Porsche replacement

option 2
B6 cut and weld no lowering

option 3
koni insert 20 mm lower

option 4
Spax kits 20 or 30 mm lower

that about covers the options

there are others but they will custom made, and very expensive


 
Cheers Waylander
Just done a quick check so the ones fitted to my 944S / 1988 are black Struts, capped silver tops (ie not crimped) and looks like makers are System, have to get the wheels off to have a good look.

John
 
The crimped tops are silver on black struts - never heard of system as a shock manufacturer though!
B6 probably the best option if you can do without struts for a few days (sending them away to be welded)

option 5
Gaz
-25mm+

Tony

 
Sorry forgot about GAZ, thought they were in the expensive range for just road use

think the old ones I took off said Boge system or something like that on them
 
Oh Joy, like all good plans and thanks to the Company (Willo-the-wisp fame ) caused a major water leak and damage at home and have only got sorted in time for Christmas!

Back to Front Struts have anyone heard of these, GABRIEL Oddly, my daughter lives only 10miles away from them in Melbourne Oz and possibly could bring them over....


 

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Back
Top