68 912 front end maintenance

[lep]

I've owned my 912 for 28 years, and have never replaced any front suspension parts, with the exception of a new tranverse control arm and new sheet metal welded in about 20 years ago. What is the order of priority of various parts to inspect/replace? I am considering new tie rods, struts, and am conscience mostly about safety.

thx

[djdsc]

You need to add control arm bushings and ball joints to your list and at least a wheel bearing repack and adjustment. The front end is a system and to benefit from improvements all components need to be in serviceable order. Add to it tires and a 4-wheel alignment and the car will be as new.

As to what order to proceed??? What is the value of new shocks if the bushings and tie rods are so hard or worn that the impact of new shocks can't be felt. I must admit that I did it all at once: bushings, tie rods, shocks, wheel bearings, tires and alignment. It was/is like a new car. Don't for get the rear swing arm bushings too!! It all effects how the car handles.

[lep]

Last summer I totally disassembled the rear trailing arms and , hubs/axles, bearings, disassembled the transaxles, replaced all bushings, bearings, seals, grease, and prepped and applied POR-15 to the training arms. Also had the brake calipers re-machines with brass sleeves and stainless pistons. New master cylinder, front and rear brake lines, etc.
Thus, a majority of rear parts and brakes are essentially like new. Just need to start om front end. Do you recommend doing-it-yourself for the control arm bushings? Aren't struts very dangerous (explosive springs inside) to wrench on if you don't have the right tools.

[j.hall]

Don't forget to check/adjust the play in your rack and pinion. I did mine last summer (I'm positive it had never been done), it made a huge difference!
It doesn't take much...you'll know after a short drive if you've gone too far.