Creaking and banging 996 = new tie rod = £$£!!!

[Chris_w]

Bit of a saga this one but my '99 996 has been making a hellish racket once warmed up - a banging and creaking from the offside suspension that could be felt as a knocking through the steering. First guess was the usual lower wishbone ball joint, then the steering rack, now we're onto the tie rod. The really ridiculous bit - the OPC quote for the tie rod replacement, £611 after VAT!

Anyone else had a similar issue or can anyone top that for an OTT quote for such a simple job?

[magic torch]

Mines squeaks from cold unles turning right. Steering seems to have a bit more play too.

Off to the OPC tomorrow for them to have a look.

It's under warranty, but I doubt it'll be covered. You've scared me now

[DucatiGary]

sounds exactly how mine was, OPC said front suspension needed replacing, so took to specialist (911 sport) and they said "font anti roll bushers and drop links" about 400 quid, job done sorted on my way.

steering creaking at full lock and horrid noise when driving is no more, all fixed

[magic torch]

DucatiGary said:

steering creaking at full lock and horrid noise when driving

That's mine.

Trouble is there's nobody else locally, and I've found the OPC better so far than a well know specialist.

[magic torch]

Just had a look at my invoice for the last service in March 06.

Replaced NSF anti roll bar drop link.

Guess where the creaking is coming from? Near Side Front.

[DucatiGary]

MT, did you get that done under warranty on your last service ?

[magic torch]

DucatiGary said:

MT, did you get that done under warranty on your last service ?

Was done at the specialist during the service.

Can it be done under warranty then?

[Chris_w]

DucatiGary said:

sounds exactly how mine was, OPC said front suspension needed replacing, so took to specialist (911 sport) and they said "font anti roll bushers and drop links" about 400 quid, job done sorted on my way.

steering creaking at full lock and horrid noise when driving is no more, all fixed

Mine is not from cold, only after twenty minutes of driving, making it harder to pin down. It's also not lock-dependant, I get it all the time once it's warmed up. OPC said it was lower wishbone bush from initial look (short drive and bouncing the wing up and down). Took it too indy for job but didn't cure it, noise was back by the time I got home. Indy took car back and said it could be steering rack and therefore covered under warranty so back to OPC I go.... only to find it's the tie rod end. So not warranty cover and estimate of £600 later (includes full laser geo check!) I'm off back to an indy who will only set up the wheel involved, hence saving big £££.

Interesting that we've all had similar experiences from different susp components.