Boxster front squeak

geoff w · 03-01-2010, 03:53 PM

Long term Boxster owner and frequenter of other boards, but new here. I'm trying to diagnose a front squeak, 20-30 MPH, over slightly bumpy roads, sounds like something loose rubbing against rubber. No thuds or squeals, so I don't think it's the upper control arms or wheel bearings. More noticeable going down hill than up hill, e.g., down Decker Canyon from Mulholland toward the 101. Mechanic at dealer tried tightening drop links, sway bar bushings, and sprayed some Wurth lube on the front lower control arm bushings. No change and squeak is slowly getting worse. Besides retorquing everything to spec, is there any wisdom on what else I should try before replacing parts (probably starting with lower control arms)? It's an '01, 2.7 manual, ROW M030, 18" Mich PS tires, 64K miles. Tire wear is great, so I don't think it's an alignment issue, and steering feels tight. Dealer head mechanic said the car drives great when we went out for a joyride through the canyons.

nkgosselin · 03-01-2010, 04:37 PM

99% chance it is the lower control arm, or more precisely the ball joint that is wearing. I had all the same symptoms. Just bite the bullet, it is the lower arms, you tried all the lesser things it might be.

It is super simple to replace DIY and our host has new ones, or ******auto.com has a great price on a rebuild. They are not rebuildable by a DIY guy.

I even wrote up a post about replacing mine.

Kevin Gosselin: Boxster Control Arm Replacment in Total Control

geoff w · 03-01-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkgosselin

99% chance it is the lower control arm, or more precisely the ball joint that is wearing...

Thanks for the quick response. I'm afraid that's more confirmation of what I suspected so far. I want to at least try retorquing everything as recommended by my local suspension shop, although from everything I've seen people say, I don't have much hope that will solve the problem. With the GT3 replacements just a little over $600 for the pair, I will probably go with those to get a little more adjustment for my lowered suspension.

Are you certain no alignment needed after replacement? Everything I've read says realign after replacing the lower control arms. The uppers and trailing arms don't need a realignment, but the lowers do.

nkgosselin · 03-01-2010, 07:49 PM

They have no adjustments in them. Look at the part and you see why you do not need to get an alignment. There are no 'tie rod' ends like old cars that could result in tweeking your alignment.

I replaced mine, put several track days on them and had no issues or odd tire wear, just better steering feel and NO SQUEAKS.

If you put in a GT3 kit, you would need to get an alignment to adjust the shims and get the desired camber.

It is a LOT more expensive to go with the GT3 arms and then have to deal with the labor of getting alignment. If you track the car extensively it MIGHT be worth it. If not, just go with stock especially if rest of suspension is stock.

geoff w · 04-20-2010, 04:28 PM

A very persistent head mechanic at the dealer went with me for another joy ride to try to diagnose the problem before replacing pricey suspension components. We drove through the canyons, ended up on Mulholland, and we were able to reliably reproduce the sound. It turns out the front hood latch was slightly worn and needed to be readjusted, along with the little rubber feet around the hood. He readjusted the hood latch back at the shop, and no more squeak since then. No new front lower control arms for me at this time, although I was starting to really want the GT3 two-piece ones