Anir

My PSS-9 units, the rear RS bar, and the Morton/Weiner rear top hats have arrived, and Greg and I plan to install them next week. I'm trying to organize all the necessary tools, and have a few questions. I've read everything posted on Rennlist about the subject in the past 2 years. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

(1) For height adjustment, it appears that some have used either an oil filter wrench or the screwdriver and rubber mallet approach to turn the rings. If I want to get the correct spanner wrench, is this the right product?

<a href="http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/search.asp?partno=AHS300B&search_type=Part&store=snapon-store" target="_blank">Snap-On Wrench, Spanner, Adjustable Hook, 3/4" to 2" capacity, 6 3/8"</a>

(2) The large nut that holds the factory shock shaft to the shock mount is currently 21 mm, but the one from Bilstein is 22 mm in the rear and 19 mm in the front. It would appear that I could simply use an open-ended wrench (and Allen key) to remove the current 21 mm nut, since the Hazet 21mm tool will not help install the Bilstein 22 mm or 19 mm nuts. Has anyone found a place to buy open-faced sockets in 19mm, 21mm, and 22mm (I've seen 19 and 21mm at <a href="http://www.samstagsales.com/Porsche.htm" target="_blank">SamStag</a> and have sent an e-mail to Zelenda)?

I know some have simply reused the factory nuts, since the threading is the same. Honestly, an impact wrench is starting to look better and better. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

(3) I currently have the shorter Eibach 7209 springs with factory shocks on the car. The PSS-9's were shipped fully assembled (thanks, Gert!). Do I really need a spring compressor to remove the current springs, or will they be adequately loose when the car is up on four jack stands (i.e. unloaded)?

(4) Greg mentioned needing some sort of special Porsche tool vs. a torx bit to deal with the rear toe link while you undo the nut. Anyone know what tool this is?

Thank you for the help! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Matt Vaughan

That's the right spanner you need. I don't think the screwdriver and mallet is a good solution, IMO. It's best to have the proper tools, and that makes a world of difference.

I used the factory nuts on the tops of mine -- no problems in a year and a half.

Again, not needed, but I would for safety's sake. If not, just aim away from you. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

It's been a long time since I did the install so I can't remember what I did here. I can tell you that I did not have the special tool for this.

KINGSRULE

FYI,

My PSS-9's came with a spanner wrench

Anir

Matt and Kim,

Thank you!!

GJ,

Apparently, domesticly-sourced PSS-9 kits do come with the spanner. I'm not sure why Bilstein does not include this in European sets, unless they think every European gearhead has a spanner lying around the house.

Anir

Kim,

Thanks for the helpful advice. I just ordered a Moroso spanner wrench / coilover adjusting tool from <a href="http://www.pitstopusa.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pitstopusa.com</a> . It was half the price of the Snap-On unit (surprise, surprise).

Of course, I had to buy an Intercomp Lap Timer while I was there - you know, to take advantage of combined shipping costs. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Just need the open faced sockets now, and I'm good to go.

Anir

I'm not sure who's running QC at Bilstein, but my PSS-9's were assembled very incorrectly when they arrived.

Fortunately, Gert steered me in the right direction to <a href="http://users.skynet.be/fa032321/info/pss9.htm" target="_blank">PSS-9 instructions</a> .

The front PSS-9's should be assembled as below:
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/PSS9_Front_asmweb.jpg" alt=" - " />

The rear PSS-9's go together as below:

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/PSS9_Rear_asmweb.jpg" alt=" - " />

KINGSRULE

The PSS-9's don't come assembled.

Maybe you should suport your local dealer

Ponchobroke

Anir,

One thing to remember when you remove the front coil sets with top mounts... mark the position or look at the red paint mark on the mount. These need to go back into the same position... the top mounts are angle sensitive.

Ponchobroke

Also as I look at the pictures above.. it appears that on the fronts, #9 and #10 are reversed... #10 fits inside #8. I just installed mine and had the same issues. Also a good mod is to cut the brake mount as suggested by Robin on <a href="http://www.p-car.com." target="_blank">www.p-car.com.</a> It makes removing and replacing a piece of cake.

WillyC4S

John,

After reading your post I'm a bit confused.

My front shock came assembled as pictured in Gert's front strut JPEG. However, after reading your post I went over to my front strut and shuffled things around as you suggested. It does seem that the smaller circumference washer can fit inside of the aluminum top spring perch and prevents any wobbling. This is a good thing. I was wondering about that when I first inspected the front strut.

However, I went back to the Bilstein instruction manual and looked at the diagram. The diagram shows the placement of the washers as in Gert's pictures -&gt; aluminum spring perch, large washer, small washer, then nut.

So who's right and who's wrong?

Thanks,

*****

Anir

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by GJ:
<strong>Maybe you should suport your local dealer</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">GJ,

Thank you for the helpful advice.

I am proud to support Gert's business, whether he is located in Zimbabwe or Lower Manhattan. He has earned my loyalty through excellent customer service. In the past, I tried to buy GT3 seats in chestnut brown leather from two U.S. sources. Both stated that this was impossible, since chestnut brown leather is no longer offered by Porsche. Gert sourced them for me - at a price lower than black leather GT3 seats in this country. In addition, my PSS9 units arrived two days after shipment by Gert via DHL from Belgium - faster than most U.S. suppliers can get products to me.

Maybe, you should trade in your Porsche for a Corvette, if you feel so strongly about the "buying domestic" issue.

John,

Thanks for the tips. As ***** suggested, <a href="http://users.skynet.be/fa032321/info/pss9.htm" target="_blank">Bilstein's Documents</a> show the same assembly as Gert's pics, so I think the pics above are correct.

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Bilstein_PSS9_14web.jpg" alt=" - " />

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Bilstein_PSS9_15web.jpg" alt=" - " />

Anir

I was able to order the following tools from Andrew Poston ( agposton@dtccom.net ) at <a href="http://www.samstagsales.com/Porsche.htm" target="_blank">Samstag Sales</a> in Tennessee. It's nice to have the right tools for the job. Specifically, these sockets will allow me to use the new locking nuts provided by Bilstein.

Thanks for the lead, Robin and Kim.

- Hazet 2593-19 Special Socket cut-out side $ 35.00 Sale!
- Hazet 2593-21 Special Socket cut-out side $ 40.54
- Hazet 2593-1 special 7 mm Allen tool $ 9.40
- Hazet 2593-22 Special Socket cut-out side $ 40.54

KINGSRULE

Anir...

A bit touchy, aren't we?

Maybe a bit defensive also

In any case, whatever.......

Anir

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by GJ:
<strong>Anir...

A bit touchy, aren't we?

Maybe a bit defensive also

In any case, whatever.......</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Perhaps, you're the one who's feeling a bit guilty about buying German instead of American? People in glass houses...

Or, maybe, you felt compelled to continue the recent trend of anonymous newbie jerks on Rennlist. I was simply looking for DIY assistance. Too bad that's the best you had to offer.

Ponchobroke

Gents,

All I can tell you is that I was also confused due to the fact that the smaller spacer fits "exactly" inside the top aluminum perch and the larger washer matched 'exactly" with the underside of the shock mount. I mounted mine this was and have had not problems.

That's my story and I'mmmm st..stickin' to it.

I'll post some pictures this afternoon to show collar dimensions and ride height correlation.