Suspension, Improving ride Options

[framos914]

Just got my 75 2.0 back on the road after 24 years in the back of the garage. Last time I drove it back in 94 everything was pretty tight and smooth, now it seems to be all over the place. Was hoping to take it to WCR.
Any suggestions on where to start with the suspension?
Has 76 911S front koni struts, S calipers and sway bar. Rear 914-6 components.
Thanks

[Superhawk996]

"when I hit any kind of bump it will jump and feel a little out of control (gotta hold the wheel a little tighter)"

Still not sure about what you're describing.

What jumps? The steering wheel? (you mention having to hold tighter)

One thing to note in comparison to any modern car is that a 914 has a manual rack and pinion steering system. You will get A LOT more feedback in this car vs. any modern vehicle. Actual road feedback in the steering wheel is sorely lacking in almost all modern cars due to power assisted steering.

You also mention the steering seems to have too much play. This should not be the case the steering should be TIGHT. If you have play you have worn out components somewhere.

Prime Suspects that add play to steering:
Either the inner or the outer tie rod ends that go between the steering rack and the knuckle or both. The inner were rubber and can be degraded and/or dried out over time. The outer are a ball joint and could be worn.

The other thing that might be contributing is worn struts. 914's have some pretty bad bump steer characteristics. If a strut is worn and allows the suspension to easily travel to full jounce or full rebound, you'll get bump steer effects that can be felt in the steering wheel and will also make the vehicle feel "darty" or lacking straight line stability when it hits a bump in the road.

Per previous notes, you're going to have to work though this stuff one component at a time, inspect and replace as you go when you find worn components.

Part of the joy of a 45-50 year old car!

[framos914]

"when I hit any kind of bump it will jump and feel a little out of control (gotta hold the wheel a little tighter)"

Still not sure about what you're describing.

What jumps? The steering wheel? (you mention having to hold tighter)

One thing to note in comparison to any modern car is that a 914 has a manual rack and pinion steering system. You will get A LOT more feedback in this car vs. any modern vehicle. Actual road feedback in the steering wheel is sorely lacking in almost all modern cars due to power assisted steering.

You also mention the steering seems to have too much play. This should not be the case the steering should be TIGHT. If you have play you have worn out components somewhere.

Prime Suspects that add play to steering:
Either the inner or the outer tie rod ends that go between the steering rack and the knuckle or both. The inner were rubber and can be degraded and/or dried out over time. The outer are a ball joint and could be worn.

The other thing that might be contributing is worn struts. 914's have some pretty bad bump steer characteristics. If a strut is worn and allows the suspension to easily travel to full jounce or full rebound, you'll get bump steer effects that can be felt in the steering wheel and will also make the vehicle feel "darty" or lacking straight line stability when it hits a bump in the road.

Per previous notes, you're going to have to work though this stuff one component at a time, inspect and replace as you go when you find worn components.

Part of the joy of a 45-50 year old car!

What I'm experiencing does feel like what you describe as bump steer. My next step is to go through all the suspension components and replace worn parts. since everything is about 40 years old I'm sure that's where my problem lies.
Thanks