First Porsche

[mhall131313]

Hello everyone!
I recently stepped into the world of Porsche ownership with the acquisition of a 1984 Targa Carrera! I am almost 50 and have wanted one of these cars since before I could drive. To say it's a dream come true is an understatement.

The car had a PPI and for the most part things are good. It is a high mileage car, in essence, with 235,000 miles on it. It has been well cared for by the PO, but has some things that have to be cared for. It's only a two owner car and I have all, and I mean all, receipts from the day it was purchased including the original window sticker.

I have one issue that worries me a little mostly because I don't know what it is. There is a thunking sound that is coming either from the steering will or steering assembly when I hit a larger bump. I know, very vague! Sorry about that. But its really the only way to explain it. The steering is reasonably tight. It doesn't pull to one side or the other. And it tracks straight.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I am having so much fun with this car!

[robhamster]

Congratulations. Beautiful car. Does not show all those miles. How are the shocks in front?

[Driver_X]

Check and see if either of the front shocks are wet. Could be blown....

[mhall131313]

Thanks! I will check them tonight!

[pete3799]

Had the same noise when i bought mine.....turned out to be a loose gland nut on the strut.
You'll have to pull the top of the strut out of the mount in order to access it though.

[PDACPA]

Congrats on the purchase. Looks great. Find the search button here on the forums and you can find an answer to just about anything you are trying to resolve. And of course our host carries all the parts you need with FAST shipping.

[GaryR]

Could also be the steering bushing, can you move the steering column up/down with the wheel?

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by Driver_X

Check and see if either of the front shocks are wet. Could be blown....

And they don't have to be wet at that mileage, I yanked two out of a car that a 10 year old could cycle and they were dry as a bone when I pulled them. Any oil left for the Lunar landing long ago..

[ivangene]

welcome - I hate to say but you will have 2 new problems

1. strange urge to go check the garage
2. understanding you could have done this many years earlier

so get used to both and enjoy the heck out of it!

[crustychief]

Nice looking Targa. Welcome to the forums.

[CountD]

Silver is the best color for any year Targa...even makes the newer cars look classic. Nice ride.

[mhall131313]

Ivangene you are so right! Every night before I go to bed I have to check the garage. This car gives me one of the best feelings I have ever had!!

[Storage Man]

Congrats. Welcome to the Targa life...let the psychosis begin!

[86 ssinit]

Good Luck and happy driving and wipe that smile off your face people are gona think your nuts!!! Met a guy yesterday who had just bought a 85 targa with 230k on it. Car looked great it says some thing for these cars they last.

[Smoove1010]

Mhall - Congrats! If you're like me, you'll find that this forum will be a much larger factor in your p-car ownership than you might have imagined.

I've had my cab for a year now, and I still get a charge out of seeing it parked in the garage. Working on it is like therapy.

Enjoy!

GK

[silverc4s]

Congrats on the new baby! She is pretty, love silver 911s

The front suspension has lower ball joints that are replaceable. Look thru that stack of receipts and see what all has been done to the front suspension and steering. With just a it of maintenance, you can improve the car an amazing amount.

Good luck, stay in touch here.

Lets see some more pictures.

[mreid]

With that mileage there are several things that could be the cause. First review your receipts and see if any front end work has been done. Struts, ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings can all cause that noise and with that many miles are all highly suspect. The easiest way to troubleshoot is to check front tire wear. Then jack up the front end with the wheel free to rotate, but the suspension loaded. Spin the wheel. How does it sound?Grab the top and bottom of the wheel and attempt to move it in and out. Are the ball joints or wheel bearings loose? Grab the front and back of the wheel and do the same. Are the tie rods or steering rack loose (too much play)? If there has been no front end work done in a 100,00 miles or so, you should get more intimate with your new lover!

Congrats! Great looking Porsche!

[mhall131313]

Thanks mreid and everyone else. I drove the car again yesterday, and as I was driving I realized I had this stupid ars grin on my face the whole time. There is some definite quirks with this car, but oh my goodness, I can't not think of anything better than driving this car. Ok, maybe one thing, but I get pretty mixed up sometimes with which is first in line! Boy, I almost hate to admit that. My life is forever changed!!

[ivangene]

Originally Posted by mhall131313

as I was driving I realized I had this stupid ars grin on my face the whole time. My life is forever changed!!

YEA !!

[OttoB]

As everyone else has already chimed, welcome to the madness and congratulations on your purchase!