Phi1720

My rear track arms in the Boxster have been getting louder the past few weeks while driving <20 mph over lightly degraded roads and I figure its time to replace them with rebuilt units from Vertexauto. Shocks are fine and not leaking. My search button shows that this low-speed knock has been discussed before.

Could someone who's had theirs replaced please give me a hand with the two part #'s listed below? I've read plenty of threads on fixing this problem, but I haven't found differentiation between the "Lower Control Arm" and the "Control Arm - Rear Track Arm" and it would be a huge help to know if I need LH&RH of one or LH&RH of both.

So which one did you replace to fix the low-speed suspension knock? Links & Part#'s:

Lower Control Arm - 99634104306 http://www.vertexauto.com/ShowItem/1...rol%20Arm.aspx

Control Arm - Rear Track Arm - 98633104307 http://www.vertexauto.com/ShowItem/1...ack%20Arm.aspx

Thanks!

Phi1720

Looks like I got my numbers crossed. 99634104306 is for the front only on the Boxster and goes along with control arm 99634105316 also on the front. If you look at the links, 99634104306 is a FRONT & REAR part on the 996, but FRONT ONLY on the Boxster.

Got a hold of the guys at VertexAuto. Sounds like the knock gets silenced by replacing the "Rear Track Arm" 98633104307. Just wanted to post back so this thread hopefully helps someone else in the future.

fluellen

I had a suspension clatter at low speeds from the front. I replaced the sway bar drop links and the clatter is gone.

I'd advise you to start by replacing the drop links (same rear and front) - it's by far the cheapest and simplest option. If that doesn't solve you problem, you're not out much money and you can then move on to the control arms...

lilredpo

Where did you get the drop links from? TIA

Phi1720

I replaced my rear track arms with refabbed parts from Vertex Auto. All quiet now and fixed with a night and day difference. I did not change my drop links.

Note that Fluellen's post above is for FRONT noise at low speeds & the rear track arm replacement is a common issue for REAR noise at low speeds. The bushing connecting the rear track arm to the frame of the car gets a hair line amount of play in it that can't be duplicated with the car on a lift. Mine only made noise at low speeds and the noise went away under accel/decel.

lilredpo

Thanks. I am getting what appears to be a front end noise (klunk), mostly over small bumps at low speed and only after running for a while.

ASpec818

My rear has developed the same rattle. Does the replacement of these arms require immediate attention? I have other priorities for the Boxster and was wondering if I can put off this repair for a little bit.

Also, did you notice any performance degrade when the bushings were knocking?

Han Solo

If you've got knocking in the rear and it feels like the car is being held back - take a good look at the motor mount. When that goes bad the engine and transmission puts the rear axles in a bind. Feels like your dragging a large concrete block.

Phi1720

Nope, no noticeable performance loss. Just a lot of clatter. But if you're putting it off, the load not being taken up by the rear track arm bushing has to go somewhere until its fixed.

Definitely check the motor mount and trans mounts as stated above.