cleslie21

hi everyone,
after last weekend at Barber, my 944 has a popping noise in the front passenger wheel. I took a video(not sure how to load) but here is a picture. In the video, when you turn the steering wheel the spring rotates/jumps as you turn, and makes a cracking noise when turning left and right. I have heard it in the left wheel as well, but not as much. Any ideas? I'd like to go to another track weekend next weekend...

Dimi 944

It sounds as is the coils are binding. You can inspect and service the top hats which should have thrust bearings in them. Undo the 22mm bolt on top of the strut at full droop of the suspension. Remove the top hat and inspect the thrust bearings. They might be dirty and or/worn out. Ground Control and Lindsey Racing have replacements available. If you take measurements you can find replacements on the web as well.

cleslie21

Thanks for the reply. Here is a video, I think I'll have to run it by my shop. I'll mention the thrust bearings.

Dimi 944

Yes, the thrust bearing is definitely binding. Also, as you can see it is not guiding the spring correctly that caused the spring to rub against the threaded collar and slowly destroying it.

cleslie21

Hey Dimi
what do you think about this?

cleslie21

Dimi 944

The hat will have a play but the bearing that is recessed in it from the top is the issue. It is what sits between the spring hat and bottom of the camber plate.

cleslie21

Hey what is the fix?

AgLiftPilot

Are those ground control bottom mount camber plates? The coloring looks right for ground control. If they are, measure the spring diameter, then call them to see what they have to say. They should be able to supply you with new, correct bushings/bearings for the spring top hat.

Dimi 944

Replace the thrust bearings.
Call Ground Control or Lindset Racing as both carry the part.

cleslie21

check it out, I called ground control. They said to apply grease to the bearing and the rod and hat after cleaning. No sound!

Dimi 944

Glad to hear. Mine was full of sand and the bearing were shot.

cleslie21

You were spot on Dimi, thanks again! It made more sense when Ground Control asked if I had raced in the rain. I went to Roebling in savannah about a month ago and we ran in the pouring rain for almost 2 days straight. It must have washed all the grease out and added some sand cheers