Type_LT

I do believe the time has come to sharpen my steering response.

To put it simply, it feels like there is a stretchy rubber band connecting my steering wheel to the road. On the interstate the car will pull left or right depending on what side of the lane arc you're on. I have a feeling if I drove a 944 with fresh suspension parts I would be amazed.

The car has 157k on the clock and during the past 8 years and 70k miles of ownership I've never touched the steering/suspension.

I'd like to do everything at once so I'm trying to put together a complete list of things to replace to ensure my handling is as good as or better than stock.

Here's what I can think of:

Steering Rack + Mounting Rubber
Steering wheel coupler joint
Tie-rod ends + ball joints
Lower control arm bushings (should I buy the rebuilt or go the expensive route?)
Shocks and bushings (I'd be happy with a bit better than stock, Bilstein?)
Anti-Roll bar bushings
All Wheel bearings (need a press for the rear...)

Anything I'm missing? Any other important rubber or metal parts to replace?

As far as bushings go, is there any huge advantage in feeling for daily driving when using harder aftermarket parts?

Also, if anyone has some suspension parts for sale, let me know.

Nick

chris951

I have dealt with the same issues. You need to check what has play in it,and start replacing or rebuilding what you can.

Here are a list of things that can commonly cause a sloppy front end.
1. Worn out ball joints
2. Worn control arm to crossmember bushings
3. Desintigrated caster bushings
4. Worn tie rods(inner and outer)
5. Play in rack or rack is loose from crossmember and bushings
6. Worn out strut mount
7. Worn intermediate steering shaft
8. Worn Wheel bearings
9. Power steering leaks
10. Sway bar bushings.

I can recommend using derlin or polurethane bushings on the sway bars. The caster block that many owners like is the 968 caster blocks because they have less rubber in them. They bolt right up like the old ones. Your ball joints are probably shot and you can either buy rebuilt arms, buy super nice aftermarket arms, or the cost effective way is to rebuild the balljoints with a rennbay kit. The rennbay kit works great if you buy the kit with the bronze bushings.

Replacing steering components is easiest to replace it all at once. In one weekend, I replaced the rack and tie rods, intermediate steering shaft, hoses, and reservoir. I used a rebuilt rack from Zims that was priced great and awesome quality. I also resealed the PS pump with a kit from Paragon. Replacing the intermediate steering shaft was a PITA, because you there is no room and it is hard to see what you are doing, however, I am glad I replaced it. I almost forgot that you need to order new banjo bolts for the steering rack.

When it comes to shocks and struts, everyone has a different opinion. It just matters what you want to do with your car. I hope that I have helped you

-Chris

jc in rb

add sway bar mount stiffener brackets and delrin s/bar bushings.

CPR

Nick,
have you changed the rims? running spacers? swapped tire sizes?

Just curious....