Jaycote

I'm having issues with my Front Suspension and have some parts I need to purchase and replace. I'm having difficulty understanding what's what, because different websites are labeling the parts differently. I've uploaded the parts diagram for reference.

I need to purchase:

Control arm lunks
Tie Rods
Sway Bar Drop Links
Sway Bar Bushings

Could any of you list which part number refers to each of the items, above? It'd really help me out! THanks for everyones help!

dkraige

In the front there are 2 different control arms. Items 3 and 6 in the diagram you uploaded. 6 is the main control arm ("coffin arm") that includes the ball joint and 2 rubber bushings. Item 3 is a diagonal "tuning fork" arm that controls/limits fore-aft movement of the "coffin" arm. http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=401-00
For tie rods you need items 6-8 here depending on whether you're talking inner or outer ends: http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=403-00
For the swaybar bushings you need 2 of part 2 on this diagram: http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=402-05

I'm not advocating buying from that particular site, they just happen to have easily linkable diagrams. Also be sure you're getting parts for the right car. Especially the swaybar bushings may be different depending what suspension you have.

Good luck!

Jaycote

Sir, THANK YOU! That's exactly what I needed. Out of curiosity, what exactly do the sway bar bushings do? It doesn't seem to be an essential piece of equipment, yet people discuss it as being a very important part of the suspension.

dkraige

The bushings just locate the swaybar relative to the chassis without letting it knock/grind/whatever. They should last basically forever unless they totally dry rot and crumble. You might be thinking of the end links that connect the swaybar to the suspension. Those have ball joints that can wear and cause nasty noises.

hatchetf15

OP,
dkraige gave you the good gouge. I suggest you go to elephantracing.com and use their 996 suspension navigator...decent primer for front/rear suspension parts and their function.

Dranon

AWESOME resource!

Imo000

That is not true. They are basically rubber bearings and do wear out over time from the twisting motion of the sway/anti roll bar. The easiest way to check it is by looking for a gap between the bushings and the sway bar, or by grabbing the bar and trying to check for any free play. If it moves, the busing is worn. These are not crucial safety components, neither are the sway bar end links, but it can be annoying when they keep clanking.

dkraige

You're right. My point was that the fundamental functionality of the swaybar will not be compromised even if the bushing is pretty worn. i.e. it's not a part worth preventively replacing if it looks good. Only when it's shot enough that you can see a gap or move it around by hand like you mentioned would it really warrant replacement.

dan_189

That suspension navigator on elephandracing.com is great - thanks for sharing