924Board.org

kike924 · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:54 am Post subject: Problems with tie rods

Hi everyone!

Recently I've changed my 924 tie rods (and ends) plus the ball joints, the work was done by a Porsche specialist.
Problem is that now my front suspension (and steering) makes nearly the same amount of nagging noises that it made before.
I took the car back to the shop and they said that everything is OK.
I´m furious but I can´t afford to punch these guys because is either them or the super expensive official dealer for working in Porsches.

Any ideas???

Thanks
_________________
Euro 924 1980 N/A
Daily driver + week end racer

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

The problem may not have been the tie rod ends to begin with. Tie rods ends do not make noises.

I would look for the noises on the strut assemblies. When (how long ago and how many miles ago) were your strut assemblies rebuilt?

You could have a leaking/dry strut or strut cartridge (a banging or creaking noise), or a collapsed upper strut mount (the rubber portion drops down onto the upper spring perch and makes a banging noise on bumps and grinding on turns), or a bad strut bearing (grinding noise on turns).

You could also have a sway bar related problem. A dry aftermarket sway bar bushing (poly), or a rotten or dry factory rubber bushing, or a cracked link.

Or, you could have a rotten steering rack mounting bushing/s, or a rotten/dry lower a-arm bushing/s.

Smoothie · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:10 am Post subject:

We'll need a description of the type of sounds and when they happen.
'Til then, I can tell you the upper strut bearings can be worn and make clunking sounds especially on turning, but if you took it to some pro's and they didn't look there...well let's just say you need some new pro's. You might get a quick clue as to whether there's a problem there by popping the hood and shoving the front of the car sideways - and looking for movement and listening for any kind of clunk.

More on the upper strut mount and bearing -
http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=9397&start=0
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

kike924 · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:29 am Post subject:

I thought about front struts but they weren´t making noises before entering the shop.I had them rebuild 6 months ago.
The car is garaged in a 3rd floor so that I have to descend 6 ramps down (two per floor) to take it out and the noise is audible all the time as I go down. In the street the noise gets lower but when I hit a bump the steering goes clunk

_________________
Euro 924 1980 N/A
Daily driver + week end racer

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

You say you had the struts rebuilt 6-months ago?

What was replaced (struts, strut cartridges, upper strut mounts (did you get the superceed 944 parts), springs), and what brand of components were used?

Did you get the work done by an authorized Porsche Dealer, and was the Porsche 6mm spacer/washer TB done (check for and add 6mm spacer/washer between the upper spring perch and the upper strut mounting hat to prevent grinding when the upper strut mount collapses)?

kike924 · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:54 am Post subject:

Smoothie · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 7:33 am Post subject:

Follow that link I gave above - there are links to pictures of the strut mounting parts. The old upper strut bearings that I replaced years ago had only about 1/32" of sideways play, but that was enough to make them noisey. The steering clunk you get when you hit a bump could also be worn bearings on the steering shaft just below the steering wheel.
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox