front suspension

[jim ross]

Whenever i lift the front of my 928 with the jack, then let it back down when done working, the suspension stays jacked up , taking many hours to settle back down to normal height...Are my front shocks shot?? When driving the ride is stiff and a bit rough, but doesnt bottom out or bounce like worn out shocks would. Any ideas about this??

[Danglerb]

Perfectly normal, thats why you can't jack the front end prior or during a wheel alignment it take like 20 miles to settle. There are ways to bring it down faster, but its nothing to worry about.

[jim ross]

Thanks! I can relax now...

[Danglerb]

Doesn't seem that long with my car. Maybe my shocks are just getting tired.

Have you lubed your A arm bushings?

[rhjames]

Porsche recommends that the car settle for at least 100 miles before alignment.

it's the lower control arm bushings that don't settle easily.

one way around this requirement is to use a come-a-long to pull the car down (while on the alignment rack) and leave it there for at least 15 minutes to settle.

another way is to loosen the lower control arm mounting bolts, let the car down off the jack/stands, and then re-tighten/torque the bolts with the cars weight on the suspension.

DO NOT JACK UP THE CAR WHILE DOING AN ALIGNMENT.

your toe adjustment will be horribly off, and you'll burn up a set of tires in no time.

if your car settles easily, within 15 miles or so, your lower control arm bushings are shot----probably your a-arm bushings as well......shocks are a different story.

---Russ

[rhjames]

I have never heard of anyone lube-ing a-arm bushings-----

any lube/oil on (rubber) bushings will probably cause premature failure of the bushing.


----Russ

[Danglerb]

Its some kind of graphite or other dry lube.

[rhjames]

not to argue to seriously about the point====

But, the bushings are press fit because of them being rubber or poly, and they are to limit movement between the pieces, not limit the ride height changes. The car's weight, springs, and the distance of the suspension travel are the ride height limiters. With rubber or poly bushings, you don't have to lube them like you would if the bushings were metal (usually brass).

John, the (active) ride height must change, otherwise you would beat yourself and the car to pieces. The static ride height should not change.....but I knew what you meant by your statement.

As I said before, I would not recommend lube for rubber bushings.

Sometimes, Danglerb, your active mind should just leave some things well enough alone......If it's metal to metal---lube it. If not, leave it alone.


---Russ