Front Ride-Height Advice

bwe243 · 09-12-2008, 08:11 PM

I have got an 87 924S and am having an issue with the front suspension. I noticed a few weeks back that the passenger side corner sits about 1/4 in. lower (than the driver's side) and the wheel seems to stick out a bit, and rubs the fender even with stock wheel/tire.

I have heard that bad control arms will cause ride height problems, but am concerned about the wheel itself. I checked and the offset seems correct--is this the result of accident damage, and if so, a friend suggested a body shop to get it straightened.

My original idea is to replace shocks, springs, ball joints and control arms; should that due the trick? Thanks.

924RACR · 09-13-2008, 04:05 AM

I'd suspect a bad upper strut mount or possibly even the strut tube coming apart (unscrewed).

I would definitely not drive it till fixed.

Have you put it in the air and pulled the wheel off yet???

Dave L · 09-13-2008, 04:44 AM

Get it up in the air and start taking measurements and comparing the two sides. Something is certainly very wrong, my first guess would be a broken A arm or mount. Hit any curbs lately??

bwe243 · 09-13-2008, 08:07 AM

Yeah, I have pulled the wheel off, and looked at the strut. It seems intact, but the mount looks a little funky. Everything else looks straight.

Some of the history is unknown of the car as I bought it from FL. So it is very possible it has smacked a curb somewhere. I will put it up in the air and take some measurements. Anything particular I should look for?

I also notice a loud clunk/groan from that side of the car when lurching forward, and over most speed bumps.

drew1 · 09-13-2008, 05:28 PM

I think your car has the steel A frames like the old 924 & early 944. If it does, pay close attention to the posts of Vaughn. I'm guessing he's rode plenty curbs & rumble strips & I've never seen him give bad advice.

Check the rubber, bearing & spacer in the upper strut mount. When you jacked the car up was the spring loose. Sometimes the extra heat from the exhaust will set the passenger spring on turbo cars & maybe to some extent on NA. Does the tire show funny wear, feathered or cupped? Do you feel any vibration in the steering wheel? While it's up check A frame bushings, ball joint & tie rods.

bwe243 · 09-13-2008, 07:30 PM

When jacked up, I noticed the spring didn't seem loose, but noticed some material kind of squashed out of the upper strut mount. I also was able to tighten the bolts on the strut mount a little bit.

I put new tires on back in July, and that side was badly worn on the inside tread. It was aligned, but the tech said it was way out of whack. I still have a vibration at 55-65 MPH. And the handling seems a bit sloppy--I will probably get the parts on order.