987 front spring replacement - DIY ?

[Waitforme]

I have a broken front spring on my 2.7 Cayman and I’m contemplating replacing it myself. It is standard suspension , not PASM.
I’m wondering if it is a relatively straightforward job or is it best left to the local garage ?

I’m pretty competent with tools, don’t mind changing pads / discs.

Any thoughts or expertise of doing the job ?

Thanks.

[lost in espace]

Having changed bump stops I would say doable with the right tools, my fear is about getting stuck halfway through being unable to put it together again.

[stratfordshark]

It's a straightforward DIY job but only if you have good selection of decent tools and - crucially - good quality spring compressor set. There's a lot of energy in a compressed spring and you don't want to be in way of inadvertent release! The trickiest part is often having the correct tool/through sockets so that you can release/tighten the top piston nut. Helps to undo it slightly while the shock is mounted to ca.r

[DRH986]

I didn't need spring compressors on my 987.1 Cayman S with PASM as at full extension of the front struts there is very little compression in the springs. Non-PASM may have slightly longer springs as the right height is higher but still shouldn't need much if any assistance.

[lost in espace]

stratfordshark said:

It's a straightforward DIY job but only if you have good selection of decent tools and - crucially - good quality spring compressor set. There's a lot of energy in a compressed spring and you don't want to be in way of inadvertent release! The trickiest part is often having the correct tool/through sockets so that you can release/tighten the top piston nut. Helps to undo it slightly while the shock is mounted to ca.r

I loosened mine with an electric impact driver on one side, the other side I used a normal ratchet and had to get hold of the shock with a clamp.

[Waitforme]

Thanks guys.
I’m going to buy a spring compressor anyway as they are only £20 or so.
What do I need to disconnect apart from the brake gubbins, is it the sway bar drop link then once the shock has been disconnected I can swing it out from under the wheel arch ?

[lost in espace]

I think the caliper bolts are stretch ones, do some reading and research on Youtube.

[Escy]

You don't need to remove the brakes. You want to make sure both front wheels are off the ground. A spreader tool isn't a bad idea, the bottom of the strut is clamped by the hub.

[Waitforme]

lost in espace said:

I think the caliper bolts are stretch ones, do some reading and research on Youtube.

Def not. I’ve replaced the discs and the bolts are steel.

[Waitforme]

Anyone used Porscheshop for parts ?
I see they don’t have a phone number for contacting them, always makes me wary.

[jakesmith]

Waitforme said:

Anyone used Porscheshop for parts ?
I see they don’t have a phone number for contacting them, always makes me wary.

They're legit but OPC is always cheapest if you're buying OEM parts
Design911 are good too
Agree on the phone number thing it puts me off

[Andyoz]

Waitforme said:

Anyone used Porscheshop for parts ?
I see they don’t have a phone number for contacting them, always makes me wary.

Check the thread on CaymanOC...

[tozerman]

Definitely diy job.
However as others have said you need good selection of tools and basic knowledge.
You may find the hardest bit is getting the pinch bolts out that clamp the strut in the hub, although you don't have to remove the strut you may find it easier...

[Waitforme]

Andyoz said:

Waitforme said:

Anyone used Porscheshop for parts ?
I see they don’t have a phone number for contacting them, always makes me wary.

Check the thread on CaymanOC...

Thanks.

I’ll avoid.

[Waitforme]

tozerman said:

Definitely diy job.
However as others have said you need good selection of tools and basic knowledge.
You may find the hardest bit is getting the pinch bolts out that clamp the strut in the hub, although you don't have to remove the strut you may find it easier...

Thanks.
I’ve got a good selection of tools / Jack / axle stands / sockets etc.
I’m hoping to swing the strut out from under the wing , replace the spring and refit.
If I have to remove the strut then so be it, I’ve already given everything a good squirt of WD40.
I’ll get the spring ordered.
Thanks

[LennyM1984]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I'm reasonably certain that most of the 987 caliper and suspension bolts are indeed "one time" bolts according to the workshop manual. In reality, I have reused the caliper bolts on both 986s and 987s with no ill effect.

I thought the whole "one time" use thing was total BS but my tuning fork to coffin arm bolt was quite stretched when I removed it (the front coffin arms had been replaced a few years ago prior to my ownership). That was the first and only time I had seen that but I would think that Porsche are keen to cover themselves just in case.

[Waitforme]

So I’ve now received the new spring and have ordered the spring compressor.
Thought I’d just prepare the job.
I see the top of the shock has a 7mm Allen socket head. When I tried to loosen the top nut
the shock turns , what have you guys used to prevent it turning while loosening the nut ?

[Escy]

Impact gun

[Waitforme]

Can anyone recommend an impact driver ?
I tried loosening the top nut with a spanner and Allen key but it’s too tight.
I’ve been looking at impact drivers but they range from £25 to several hundred, what I don’t want to do is buy one and it doesn’t loosen the nut as it doesn’t have the power.

[Escy]

https://www.kielder.co/collections/impact-wrenches...

I've got one of these, decent value for money. Can get them in machine mart.