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Broken Subframe Due to (Potentially) Defective Front Lower Control Arm
I have been in the midst of a full front-end suspension refresh and used Pelican Part's "Meyle" front control arm kit (https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...AKIT-997-987-A). I say "Meyle" because the coffin arms are actually from Hamburg Technic, which would be no big deal if HT parts weren't a bit suspect.
In any case, as I was tightening down the bolt that connects the control arm bushing to the subframe on the driver's side, I heard a CRACK before 89 ft*bls. I thought this was just something settling in - stupid me - and torqued it down to what Porsche asks for. When I got the car on the road I could hear this squeaking over bumps from that front left side but thought it was my sway bar bushings. I went to grease them today and my heart just dropped to my stomach when i saw this:
I've had a look around online and apparently sometimes the bushing can be a bit too small for the subframe; mine fit in tight but it wasn't a 'tolerance fit' if that makes sense. I didn't have to use a mallet to lightly tap it in.
I think I'm going to need a new subframe. Is this an easy fix? I'd DIY it as I did the rest of the suspension, but I'm at school 40 miles away from my buddy's garage and obviously my 997 can't drive anymore.
I gave Pelican Parts a call this morning about this, but apparently their system is down so they'll be getting back to me later. Gave Hamburg Technic a call too, but they just directed me back to Pelican.
Damn. This sucks man - Im sorry to see that. Hopefully Pelican will make you whole on this clearly a defective part that wasnt the right width.
For starters, why are they marketed as Meyle but sending HT?
I'm hopeful - Pelican has been good to me in the past. Not sure why they are marketed as Meyle. The tuning forks are Meyle, but no where on the listing is it said that the coffin arms are HT. Thought I was paying a premium because I wasn't going bottom of the barrel with HT!
You know I just had some suspension work done on my car and there is an annoying "squeaking" + Geiger Counter type sound happening from my drivers side rear. But I know that shock is blown so the shop suspects now that there are fresh components back there the blown shock is starting to not have as much play?
I'm going to jack up my car and review my subframe now because I know the shop didn't use genuine Porsche components because their quote was very attractive (I only assume I don't have Porsche brand components). Crossing my fingers
Last edited by azzurribaggio; Apr 20, 2026 at 06:23 PM.
You know I just had some suspension work done on my car and there is an annoying "squeaking" + Geiger Counter type sound happening from my drivers side rear. But I know that shock is blown so the shop suspects not that there are fresh components back there the blown shock is starting to not have as mucg play?
I'm going to jack up my car and review my subframe now because I know the shop didn't use genuine Porsche components because their quote was very attractive (I only assume I don't have Porsche brand components). Crossing my fingers
Praying for your car! You can find used subframes on ebay for $200-300 shipped and they aren't terrible to install so worst case scenario isn't horrible, but it's an absolute pain in the ***. I'm just horrified I was on the highway at 80+ mph with my wheels hanging on for dear life.
HT vs Meyle... I dunno... Meyle has issues... Ive read HT did too but no direct experience with them. In short, measure the internal barrel (I need a better term) of the Porsche-part you removed, and then on the new arm. ALWAYS do this. Buy yourself a digital micrometer... this is a "must have" tool for suspension work.
When you remove an arm, notice how you have to tap or wiggle it out. If the new arm goes in easily... you got a bad arm.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Last edited by Bruce In Philly; Apr 20, 2026 at 07:57 PM.
I saw this before... the serial number/date of my bad arm was outside of this memo. Either I had a fluke or they have broader problems. Also, the letter does not denote what the problem is... so.. whatever. FCP Euro replaced my arm as defective... so again, measure them.
Declan, did you measure that arm? You may have a claim to Meyle or whomever for the subframe and labor.
Here's more info. The recall states "dimensional deviations" as the issue.
"Description of the Defect : The potential manufacturing defect may cause a dimensional deviation in the Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25E-017 Description of the Safety Risk : The defect could lead to damage to the subframe. These can lead to steering problems. To ensure safety, the subframe for the control arm should also be replaced. Please note: The subframe is not a MEYLE AG product."
HT vs Meyle... I dunno... Meyle has issues... Ive read HT did too but no direct experience with them. In short, measure the internal barrel (I need a better term) of the Porsche-part you removed, and then on the new arm. ALWAYS do this. Buy yourself a digital micrometer... this is a "must have" tool for suspension work.
When you remove an arm, notice how you have to tap or wiggle it out. If the new arm goes in easily... you got a bad arm.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Would Indy ships know about this? Or it depends on each shop? Unfortunately I don't do my own work as far as suspension stuff.
Would Indy ships know about this? Or it depends on each shop? Unfortunately I don't do my own work as far as suspension stuff.
I don't know. Butt before I purchased Meyle, I spoke to a tech at a speed shop that prepped and supported race cars... they used Meyle and liked them at the time.
I saw this before... the serial number/date of my bad arm was outside of this memo. Either I had a fluke or they have broader problems. Also, the letter does not denote what the problem is... so.. whatever. FCP Euro replaced my arm as defective... so again, measure them.
Declan, did you measure that arm? You may have a claim to Meyle or whomever for the subframe and labor.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
I unfortunately did not even though I had seen your thread multiple times before! I think I got a bit too excited about my new arms. I've been on the phone with Pelican with most of the day. I'll be updating here with the resolution, but I'm obviously going to need an entirely new subframe Good thing these are okay to install.
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Broken Subframe Due to (Potentially) Defective Front Lower Control Arm
Good thing these are okay to install.