Alignment problems?

Dtw1 · 05-26-2005, 08:28 PM

I just purchased a 96 - 993 Carrera 2 coupe. Very low miles under 17K. New rear tires. The car appears to have an alignment problem. The car feels like it is pulling left to right at speeds over 75 mph. I have heard that all 993s have a tendency to do this. The term Yaw was used on the PCA site conerning this matter. Apparently part of the problem is the US spec springs used that raise the height of the car about 1" higher than the Europe spec. Can this problem be fixed without changing the springs? Is this problem really that common with 993s? I plan to take the car to Independent Porsche repair shop for an alignment check. Is there something I should tell the mechanic?

Tom W · Tom W's Garage

First I've heard of it.

Ideally (in my opinion), you would want to have an alignment done at a shop that frequently does 993s. They need a special tool to set the kinematic toe. If it persists, then consider changing the suspension (the shocks may also be shot. This way, if the alignment fixes the issue, it's the cheapest solution. My car handled just fine at speeds up to 120 at the track with stock US suspension - until I upgraded to PSS-9s

The problem with this scenario is that if you decide to change the suspension, you need another alignment and at $300-$500 for an alignment it's a waste of money.

If it was my car, I think I would opt to switch to the Euro M030 suspension (new shocks and springs and a lower ride height and not too expensive) and then have it aligned to RS spec. The shop may ask if you want the caster set to account for the crown in the road (they don't set the caster equal on both sides). I'd decline and have equal caster to each front wheel.

MMBRAZIL · MMBRAZIL's Garage

My car felt the same way. My shocks were shot (20k miles). Installed h&r´s with Bilsteins HD. The ride hight is perfect now ( for me), and the handling 110% better.
The handling will improve a lot just changing shocks.

kang · 05-29-2005, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dtw1
...I have heard that all 993s have a tendency to do this...

Not true at all. Take it to a good independent.