Help - 996 Handling
Discussion
I posted last week with my 996 handling woes. I've driven the car over the weekend - 300+ miles and I'm really perplexed. If the road is smooth the car is fine, but as soon as the road becomes bumpy the car is all over the place. It feels like my previous cars have felt when the dampers needed replacing. As I said in my previous post the OPC I bought it from have checked it twice now and say it is handling as it should. While the 996 was being looked at the OPC lent me a Boxster S which I drove over the same roads (deliberately as a comparator). The boxster is massively better so was my last car - a TVR T350C.
Can this be right? The car is a standard 2002 Carrera with 18 inch wheels and standard suspension.
I really like the car, but what's happening doesn't fit in with what I've read about 996s. Surely it is in the interest of the OPC to fix something if it is wrong - I've only had the car a few week so it is well and truly under warranty!
Any advice appreciated...
Can this be right? The car is a standard 2002 Carrera with 18 inch wheels and standard suspension.
I really like the car, but what's happening doesn't fit in with what I've read about 996s. Surely it is in the interest of the OPC to fix something if it is wrong - I've only had the car a few week so it is well and truly under warranty!
Any advice appreciated...
Try asking the OPC to let you test drive a different one and see if the same characteristics exist. I get the same to some extent in the GT3, but expect it with the super-firm suspension - great on the flat, but can become hairy on bumpy bits - but I certainly would not expect this on a the standard 996 setup.
Did the OPC do a geometry check or just look over the suspension for worn parts etc?
Did the OPC do a geometry check or just look over the suspension for worn parts etc?
You may have read that I had something similar recently, with the wheel being pulled around quite a bit over rough surfaces. I had the geometry checked and it was found to be "totally out". I live in London and speed bumps etc contribute to the geometry being knocked out within a year. Now the car drives much much better. It's around 3 hours work so maybe your OPC couldn't be bothered - they charge £160+VAT whereas an independant around £120 all in. Call Phil at AFN Chiswick - couldn't be more helpful.
Thanks for the replies.
The story moves on...
Was put in contact with Paragon who suggested that I fit a sports kit that they do (different springs, increase track with spacers, redo geometry). Cost £800.
Subsequently had another chat with OPC although did not mention conversation with Paragon. After sales manager called back to suggest that fitting sports suspension was the answer. Cost is £1400, but will do for £700 as a goodwill gesture.
Anyone fitted either to their cars ?
The story moves on...
Was put in contact with Paragon who suggested that I fit a sports kit that they do (different springs, increase track with spacers, redo geometry). Cost £800.
Subsequently had another chat with OPC although did not mention conversation with Paragon. After sales manager called back to suggest that fitting sports suspension was the answer. Cost is £1400, but will do for £700 as a goodwill gesture.
Anyone fitted either to their cars ?
DO NOT SPORTS SUSPENSION UNLESS YOU WANT THE WORST POSSIBLE RIDE!
It sounds like a simple geometery problem together with perhaps worn anti roll bar linlks.
Have the car fully aligned for around £100-£150 and get someone knowlegeable to check the bushes and links.
The sports suspension kills the ride on London roads (though works wonderfully on smooth german roads!)You loose much of the complaince that a car needs on Londons crappy roads.
It sounds like a simple geometery problem together with perhaps worn anti roll bar linlks.
Have the car fully aligned for around £100-£150 and get someone knowlegeable to check the bushes and links.
The sports suspension kills the ride on London roads (though works wonderfully on smooth german roads!)You loose much of the complaince that a car needs on Londons crappy roads.
iguana said:
Sure its on standard suspension & not sports?
I'd take it to a decent pork specialist who is clued up on 996 & let & drive it & give their view & maybe get 'em to set it up on their geo gear.
Good question Iguana-the description sounds more like what a car with sports suspension would feel like on a bad road. Check for the option "O30" on the spec sticker under the front bootlid.
This would denote the "sports chassis" option which consists of 10mm lowering and stiffer shock absorbers.
www.911sport.co.uk in Lincolnshire. Not too far away, ask for Phillip Woolley.
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