991 - Suspension Life
991 - Suspension Life
Author
Discussion

churchie2856

Original Poster:

504 posts

215 months

Saturday 7th February
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I am considering a 991.1 of 991.2 and was wondering how the suspension fair on these with age.

I appreciate that as all cars age, suspension conponents tire and wear out, but in my experience those on a 996 and 997 seamingly deteriorate quicker than other cars I've owned, giving rise to creeking and knocking.

So before I jump in on a 991 (circa 10-12 years old) what should I be expecting?

Obviously if a car has benefited from a recent refresh, there shluld be no worries, but if considering a car of that age (from an OPC, indie or private) with no history of refresh, should I be budgetting for one sooner rather than later?

Thoughts please.

SkinnyPete

1,913 posts

174 months

Saturday 7th February
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The control arms have a habit of going at any mileage. I've had some that last years, and other barely make it past 12 months. They make a very distinct chatter noise when the bush has gone.

Some owners have reported rusty or broken coil springs, but other than that I'd say it's likely the suspension is fine for road use despite its age.

I did overhaul my 981 suspension at 9 years old, but that's only because I track the car and wanted to throw some money at it. Other than that it was fine.

NDA

25,167 posts

250 months

Thursday 12th February
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churchie2856 said:
So before I jump in on a 991 (circa 10-12 years old) what should I be expecting?
I bought a 991 relatively recently - but much will depend on the mileage of the car you ultimately buy.

Mine was a very low mileage car and therefore in the upper range of prices, but it feels and drives as it would have done when new. The suspension is all fine - although the PASM is known to be an issue on 911's. I have a warranty on mine which is something worth having.

hardlylikely

54 posts

107 months

Friday 13th February
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I have a 2012 991 Carrera S with PASM and i've done 127k miles, mostly A and B roads as there aren't many motorways where I live. I have just had a rear wheel bearing changed as it was droning, but it didn't fix it, turns out it was tyre noise. Changed the wheels with a spare set and it went away.
Other than that it is on original running gear from new. Even the PSM is trouble free.

Sometimes I think its crashing over a few of the rougher bits of road, but far from knocking or anything that would warrant replacement.

churchie2856

Original Poster:

504 posts

215 months

Saturday 14th February
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My thanks to those who provided feedback. Time to test drive a few cars.

Gassmi

105 posts

3 months

Wednesday 4th March
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Yes, budget for a refresh soon. The 991 suspension is more durable than the 996/997, but at 10-12 years old, the dampers will be tired and the bushings will be dry.

Don't wait for knocking. On a 991, it will feel loose or floaty before it gets noisy. If it's on original parts, just assume it needs doing for the car to feel tight again.