Rear shocks loose

Jim Chambers · 01-19-2002, 09:47 PM

Am new owner of 914-6 project. Car has new 180# springs on Koni shocks with fixed perch. With shock nuts tightened to max the rubber bushings on top of towers in trunk are loose. They will spin easily. Surely the upper mount needs to be tight. Any ideas/suggestions?

maf 914 · 01-20-2002, 04:19 AM

Jim,

It sounds as if something is missing from the shock piston shaft, resulting in more of the shaft being exposed than should be. This is basic, but does the upper shock mounting bolt have both rubber bushings that sandwich the body work? Also all of the other pieces that go over the shock piston shaft? You might check a manual (the Haynes has a rear shock detail) and see if all of the required components are in place. Good luck.

Mike

Otto · 01-20-2002, 10:30 AM

That is normal. We have installed thousands, and that is the way it is. OTTO

Jim Chambers · 01-20-2002, 11:48 AM

Thanks Otto. Can you tell me more. Are the rear shocks slightly loose at the top on all 914's or is it a result of the non-stock springs? I was worried that the looseness was because the shocks were bottomed out and would not compress any further.

Otto · 01-20-2002, 12:09 PM

No, all stock springs are captivated and are dangerous to take off of the shock body. If you don't have a spring compresser use your spare tire. Am I on the crack pipe this morning, too many margaritas at brunch, shot myself in the arm with VP 114, no!!!!!!!!!! Spare tire, what??????????? Take the shock off the car and stand it up and take the spare tire and put it on top of the upper spring perch. You have to involve your closest volunteer and hold the spare tire down while you undo the perch retainer. The pressure on the spare tire will let you release the pressure on the spring without launching the spring perch and associated hardware into your face or your neighbors yard. OTTO