997 Coffin arms

[RiccardoG]

My 997 has started creaking like a sailing boat about 10 minutes after setting off and when its dry. A quick search and phone call to my trusted indy seems to point towards the "coffin arms" being the culprits. Only issue is that seem to be on back order at all the main suppliers, including Porsche parts in Reading.

Any ideas on how to circumvent this? I have a few road trips coming up and would like to have this sorted asap!

Thanks

[V8KSN]

RiccardoG said:

My 997 has started creaking like a sailing boat about 10 minutes after setting off and when its dry. A quick search and phone call to my trusted indy seems to point towards the "coffin arms" being the culprits. Only issue is that seem to be on back order at all the main suppliers, including Porsche parts in Reading.

Any ideas on how to circumvent this? I have a few road trips coming up and would like to have this sorted asap!

Thanks

Can you not just replace the bushes or has the coffin arm itself failed?

[paul0843]

Are t,hey covered under opc warranty?
Paul

[lingus75]

Another interested party here. I have a creaking from the back o/s until the car has warmed up. Same thing?

What are coffin arms?!

[Ian_UK1]

RiccardoG said:

My 997 has started creaking like a sailing boat about 10 minutes after setting off and when its dry. A quick search and phone call to my trusted indy seems to point towards the "coffin arms" being the culprits. Only issue is that seem to be on back order at all the main suppliers, including Porsche parts in Reading.

Any ideas on how to circumvent this? I have a few road trips coming up and would like to have this sorted asap!

Thanks

Creaking like this (if it's at the front of the car) can also be caused by track-rod end ball joints that have gone dry. It's certainly worth checking them before buying coffin arms.

If it does turn-out to be coffin arms, Chris at Center Gravity sometimes has them in stock. (Usually, the TRW's IIRC).

Edited by Ian_UK1 on Tuesday 9th July 08:18

[edc]

Chris buys from Eurocarparts. There are several eBay suppliers listing TRW parts cheap.

[Ian_UK1]

edc said:

Chris buys from Eurocarparts. There are several eBay suppliers listing TRW parts cheap.

From memory (it was a few years ago now) when Chris overhauled the suspension on the 997S.1 I used to own, I was given the option of either new TRW coffin arms (probably from Euro Car Parts as you say) or reconditioned items. I think he said the reconditioned ones were sourced from Hartech, but I could be mistaken. I do remember him having both in stock, physically - something that might help the OP if he requires parts quickly.

[Shurv]

I recently had mine on my 996 C4S done by replacing the bushes in the coffin arms. Same day service from RPM Technik. They did the geo at the same time and it feels like I have a new car.

[Slippydiff]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

^

This.
If warranty isn't an issue, you could fit some spangly RSS items :

http://rss.rpmware.com/rss/rss_tarmac_series_lower...

[Ian_UK1]

Slippydiff said:

^

This.
If warranty isn't an issue, you could fit some spangly RSS items :

http://rss.rpmware.com/rss/rss_tarmac_series_lower...

Nice!

Adjustable for camber and caster if I'm not mistaken?

[RiccardoG]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

After a couple of weeks wait seems like they are finally available as of today! I will be popping over tomorrow to have them done. I'll see whether its the coffin arms or not in the end, will let you know.

I tried Chris at CoG but he is on a 3 to 4 week lead time and I just don't want to wait that long anymore now. Shame as I would have like to have a full geo setup and general check of the suspenion, keeping it fresh I find is key on any car, particularly these.

Similarly, going down the RSS option, while interesting, I feel it would benefit more a track car or a car with a number of upgraded components rather than one side only coffin arm, no?

[edc]

RiccardoG said:

Thanks for all the replies guys.

After a couple of weeks wait seems like they are finally available as of today! I will be popping over tomorrow to have them done. I'll see whether its the coffin arms or not in the end, will let you know.

I tried Chris at CoG but he is on a 3 to 4 week lead time and I just don't want to wait that long anymore now. Shame as I would have like to have a full geo setup and general check of the suspenion, keeping it fresh I find is key on any car, particularly these.

Similarly, going down the RSS option, while interesting, I feel it would benefit more a track car or a car with a number of upgraded components rather than one side only coffin arm, no?

You would do at least the pair on the same axle! To be honest it sounds like the RSS items are a waste of money for you if you just want to get the car set up to factory spec. You won't use the extra adjustment on offer.

[RiccardoG]

edc said:

You would do at least the pair on the same axle! To be honest it sounds like the RSS items are a waste of money for you if you just want to get the car set up to factory spec. You won't use the extra adjustment on offer.

Apparently the coffin arms can be replaced independently, at least thats what my independent says (Northway). I thought it strange at first as on my 964 I had to replace both lower control arms due to perished bushes.

I'm happy with the factory setup.

[edc]

You can replace one at a time but you wouldn't want to spend all that extra money on an RSS item for just one side. TRW ones on ebay if you can find them are normally £65-75 each.

[RiccardoG]

edc said:

You can replace one at a time but you wouldn't want to spend all that extra money on an RSS item for just one side. TRW ones on ebay if you can find them are normally £65-75 each.

I see what you meant now, thanks.

[edc]

Do take the time to get an accurate Geo though, not just a point and shoot each corner within factory range. Get it exactly the same across the same axle.

[RiccardoG]

edc said:

Do take the time to get an accurate Geo though, not just a point and shoot each corner within factory range. Get it exactly the same across the same axle.

I had the geo checked last year by Northway and they said all was fine. On my to do list is a visit to CoG as its something I've been wanting to do for ages now, but the trip and time off work, not to mention potential for big bill kind of pushes it back every time

[edc]

I've spent 2.5 days there this year. Chris does not hard sell to you. The only work I 'needed' was 2 wishbones but out of choice I changed all the arms and on the next trip changed to the M030 and new top mounts. If you just want the car to drive nicely or nicer but don't really understand what all the adjustments mean and how they interact then somebody like Chris will explain all and set your car up based on how you want it to feel. As usual there are others who can do the same or similar, I just can't comment on their work.

[Nineexcellence]

The RSS LCA, Rear Toe Steer etc is great on a fast road usage/track - it serves no purpose at all on standard setting car.

It does take a little more servicing since these are motorsport parts. They also have been revised over the last couple of years to take account of our lovely weather in the UK based on our feedback - we are the main dealer for them.

At £500 (going up because of weak pound) a pair, they are more expensive that Porsche £380+vat for a pair, but there is a big difference.

TRW is a WOS at the moment - try getting them from proper sources - they have been out of stock for nearly 2 months now. Mahle versions are now available instead.

IMO, Standard settings = standard parts otherwise a waste of money.

Ken

[RiccardoG]

As an update, new driver side lower arm installed this morning, squeaking now all gone. Cost of the part was £250, so I would think its the original part (please don't let me know I could have had it for half that going some other route, too late now!).