Shock absorbers or might be alignment?

[Saddlebag]

Got a 1999 996 C2, and over bad bumps in the road, or manholes etc, the car "jumps" to the right, quite alarming in the wet.

I am thinking it could be an alignment (booked in next Friday anyway)-would you agree it could be that?

If not, I suspect a rear shocker has gone-where can I get a standard part for a good price? (I don't want anything harder, its fine as it is).

Thanks

[thegoose]

I'd first of all check the tyre pressures, and also the make/model of tyres, whether they are N rated (not essential IMO but you need to make sure that whatever you have are proper matching pairs at least, preferably a set) and even the manufacturing dates (shown on the sidewall).

[freedman]

Whether the tyres are N rated or not is absolutely irrelevant

[thegoose]

freedman said:

Whether the tyres are N rated or not is absolutely irrelevant

Did you only read half what I wrote?

It's relevant if you have two seemingly identical tyres left and right but one's N rated and the other isn't.

[freedman]

thegoose said:

Did you only read half what I wrote?

It's relevant if you have two seemingly identical tyres left and right but one's N rated and the other isn't.

TBH its semantics but that isnt what you wrote at all

[Pugley]

To be perfectly honest, if you are driving around on 13year old shocks it might be time to consider replacement.

A bounce test works on cars with lots of suspension travel but its less conclusive with a 996 as there is not a great deal of suspension travel to start with?

A good indication of knackeredness is to check if there is any evidence of oil around any of the chrome push rods visible when the shock is extended. Also look for evidence of the chrome wearing through to the nickle plating underneath and that any of the springs have not broken/collapsed. (if you dont know what I am talking about - time for a visit to a trusted garage)

Shocks must be changed in axle pairs - so if one is buggered you will need to change the other.

[thegoose]

freedman said:

thegoose said:

Did you only read half what I wrote?

It's relevant if you have two seemingly identical tyres left and right but one's N rated and the other isn't.

TBH its semantics but that isnt what you wrote at all

It is exactly what I wrote:

thegoose earlier said:

I'd first of all check the tyre pressures, and also the make/model of tyres, whether they are N rated (not essential IMO but you need to make sure that whatever you have are proper matching pairs at least, preferably a set) and even the manufacturing dates (shown on the sidewall).

The point is that one needs to know (on a recently purchased 13 year old car) the details of each tyre fitted to the car (including whether N rated or not) to see if this is likely to be a factor in the odd handling being experienced.

So for you to state that "whether they're N rated or not is irrelevant" without any explanation is actually a bit mis-leading, although as you can see I agree that if the tyres match up ok, missing the N rating isn't really an issue.

[MadMark911]

freedman said:

TBH its semantics but that isnt what you wrote at all

[Saddlebag]

Thanks all-the tyres are all P Zero N4s that do match and all the pressures are good.

I think probably new shock are required-but the garage will look at it all on Friday!

[barriejames]

I have had three c2 996 and they have all done this. I have never got to the bottom of it. I dont believe it is tyres or geo. I have changed control arms drop links and track rod ends no different!! If you find out let me know as they are really scarey when that bouncing happens!!

[Saddlebag]

barriejames said:

I have had three c2 996 and they have all done this. I have never got to the bottom of it. I dont believe it is tyres or geo. I have changed control arms drop links and track rod ends no different!! If you find out let me know as they are really scarey when that bouncing happens!!

I will keep you updated!

[Saddlebag]

Just to update (late I know) but it was the N/S rear shock that was knackered.

Couldnt tell by looking or poking around, but I replaced the pair of rears and its all great!