987 suspension replacement

[jsl20]

I had my 987 Cayman serviced at my local OPC in the summer, which highlighted the rear bumps stops as being perished and needing replacement. Last week I had them replaced at a Porsche specialist, who found the driver behind my dead bump stops: the tops of the struts on the shocks are corroded, which is killing the porous bump stops. So it looks like I need new shocks.

I was quoted ~£800 for the replacement of the front shocks, I'd imagine the replacement of the rears is a similar cost. This is for Bilstein shocks, since Porsche don't make 987 shocks anymore (apparently).

I can find a full set of Bilstein B4 shocks for the 987 on design911.co.uk for £673. Is shock replacement a viable DIY job, or is this a mechanic job? I don't want to lower the car - are the B4s the best way to go?

[Pope]

Fronts not too bad as long as you have a secure set of stands or a lift; rears are a bit of a faff - the hub carrier has to come out to clear the wing and either strip the parking brake or remove the cables from 8nside the car; neither job too difficult but around 6-8hours with a Geo.

[gsewell]

I thought EU law was that Porsche needed to continue to stock spares for at least 6 years after the model was discontinued - so that would be 2018!

[AnthonyR]

Bilstein B4 are an exact replacement for the original shocks, Bilstein made the originals AFAIK.

I have them on my car and they are absolutely fine in all respects

[snotrag]

Done the lot on my 986 recently, which I can only presume is broadly the same as 987.

Very DIY'able, make sure you have good set or spring clamps.

Only sticking point is the upper droplink - this does the job of the strut pinch bolt aswell.

All 4 of mine were seized solid and required removing each hub, and drilling out on a bench - doubled the amount of time taken. But bear in mind my car has done over 120k miles - a newer car may not suffer this.

Other than that, not bad at all.