Broken coil spring 986s, what other parts should I replace?

[jmsgld]

01 986S on 76k, completely standard , used for spirited commuting. Have had the car for 6 years and no plans on selling.

So offside front coil spring snapped at the bottom, obviously will replace both front springs, what else should I consider replacing at the same time ?

The suspension is original and tired, I had been considering an update. Should I be doing shocks as well, bushings etc? I tend to stick to OEM, any better options?

Thanks,

[and31]

You’ll need new droplinks-I’ll bet that the old ones will need lots of violence to remove

[randers]

Funnily enough I had the same thing happen last month, broken spring on the front. I should be picking my car up (2003 986) later today with new Koni active shocks, H&R springs (30mm drop) and top mounts later today. The car has done 130k so suspension is pretty tired and didn't ride very well over bumps. Large amount of investment but I'm not selling the car for a few years. I will let you know how it drives now...

[Paulm4]

I changed the springs in my previous Boxster and found that I had to cut off some of the components due to the steel/alloy corrosion. I had to cut off the top mounts, the droplinks were seized in and the shocks were very difficult to remove from the hub.

If you plan to keep the car I'd be replacing shocks/springs/top mounts and droplinks. Also check the condition of the ARB bushes and the bushes/joints in the lower arms. Obviously a big outlay but that lot, plus an alignment should see it driving like new.

[randers]

Got the car back and it's much smoother over the road, no crashing even though its 30mm lower. I would recommend the Koni active shocks, they work really well (although not hit lots of twisty roads yet), same price as as standard Bilsteins but a bit like mag ride. The garage had to cut off one lower arm as it was seized and the drop links were all buggered so needed changing, so likely you'll need some replacement parts.

[Bright Halo]

Definitely change the ARB bushes as they clonk like mad when worn. I would also replace the lower control arms (coffin arms) replaced as they all seem to go at some point.
Don’t forget to get a full alignment afterwards as I found it made a big difference to the feel and poise of my 986.

I’m thinking of changing my shockers and springs in the summer as they are original M030. Not sure what to go for? The Koni active as mentioned above get good reviews, I would like to see a review from someone who has fitted Vogtland coilovers as they intrigue me.

[jammy-git]

I've had a spring go on my 987 Cayman this morning. Useful advice here!

Just curious, is it essential to do the same suspension refurb to the rear at the same time as the front?

[Bright Halo]

jammy-git said:

I've had a spring go on my 987 Cayman this morning. Useful advice here!

Just curious, is it essential to do the same suspension refurb to the rear at the same time as the front?

Not essential but advisable IMO as if one end is showing wear the other won’t be far behind (both literally and metaphorically!)

[and31]

jammy-git said:

I've had a spring go on my 987 Cayman this morning. Useful advice here!

Just curious, is it essential to do the same suspension refurb to the rear at the same time as the front?

I had a rear spring go on my 987,I changed all for springs(I fitted Eibach lowering springs) new droplinks all round and new top mounts.
I did the work myself and it was quite involved,especially the rears.
I could do it in half the time if I had to do it again though.

[jammy-git]

I've just ordered the bits to totally refurb the fronts; including new coffin arms, drop links, bushes, bolts, nuts, the works. The rears will have to wait until the summer I think.

[Skyedriver]

I've read that a front spring can be replaced by just dropping the damper down after removing the centre top nut.
Anyone done that if the rest of the suspension is good?

[Skyedriver]

randers said:

Got the car back and it's much smoother over the road, no crashing even though its 30mm lower. I would recommend the Koni active shocks, they work really well (although not hit lots of twisty roads yet), same price as as standard Bilsteins but a bit like mag ride. The garage had to cut off one lower arm as it was seized and the drop links were all buggered so needed changing, so likely you'll need some replacement parts.

How are you getting on with the Konis please?
About £100 more than standard B4 Bilsteins, are they a direct replacement?

[edc]

Skyedriver said:

How are you getting on with the Konis please?
About £100 more than standard B4 Bilsteins, are they a direct replacement?

You will find more users on Boxa.net I've been on these since 2017. I've not seen any complaints.