adventures in suspension, I took some measurements... Options

[914 RZ-1]

I was on a drive with some other folks on Sunday (don't worry; we all kept 6 feet apart) and the guy behind me tells me that when I turn hard right the car leans more than when I turn hard left. Looks like the springs/shocks/suspension needs some attention. Where do I begin?

I have never replaced or adjusted any of the suspension on this car.

For replacement parts (if I need them), what are good shocks and springs and where is a good place to get them? I'm not looking for anything fancy; the "stock" ride is fine.

Are there any techniques or fancy tools I should know about?

Thanks!

[914 RZ-1]

1. I don't think I have any rear torsion springs (referred to as "rear stabilizer" in the Haynes manual). Do the front torsion bars ("transverse control arms" in the Haynes manual) need replacing? I don't have any front stabilizers; those were from 73 on and I have a 72.

2. All I see in the Haynes manual is a "shock absorber strut". The actual shock absorber doesn't seem to have a label! It also looks like a major process to take this apart and replace it.

3. Am I correct in that the steering geometry can be altered when I take off the pressure plates at the top of the front shocks?

4. Looks like there is a special tool that is used to get the nut at the top of the front strut off?

5. Looks like I need a spring compressor for the rear springs.

Can someone confirm/clarify this for me before I decide to get into this. Thanks!

[bdstone914]

@914 RZ-1

1. I don't think I have any rear torsion springs (referred to as "rear stabilizer" in the Haynes manual). Do the front torsion bars ("transverse control arms" in the Haynes manual) need replacing? I don't have any front stabilizers; those were from 73 on and I have a 72.

reply to 1 You only have springs and shocks in the back. You probably need to replace them. I suggest 914 Rubber 100 lb.

2. All I see in the Haynes manual is a "shock absorber strut". The actual shock absorber doesn't seem to have a label! It also looks like a major process to take this apart and replace it.

reply to 2. It is fairly easy to replace front strut inserts. You do not need to remove the three bolts on the hold down plates. Only remove the 22nm nut on the strut shaft.Bent down the retaining tab. An impact works best to remove the nut. Alternate way tis grip the big keyed washer with channel lock plyers and remove the center nut. Ususally a two person job. Can be done one side at a time. After removing the 22mm nut compress the strut and carefully pull it outside of the fender. Use a large pipe wrench to remove the strut retaining nut. Test the insert for even compression and rebound. No realignment is needed.

3. Am I correct in that the steering geometry can be altered when I take off the pressure plates at the top of the front shocks?

reply to 3. Yes but you do not need to, See above

4. Looks like there is a special tool that is used to get the nut at the top of the front strut off?

reply to 4. As stated above use an impact to remove and a big pipe wrench for the insert retaining nut.

5. Looks like I need a spring compressor for the rear springs.

relpy to 5. Yes. Local FLAPS rent them for free. You need to install the spring compressors with about 2 inches o thread extending out of the bottom so that you can uncompress the spring fully. Be careful and stay clear of the path the spring will take if the compressor slips.

Can someone confirm/clarify this for me before I decide to get into this. Thanks!
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If you have other questions PM me for my phone number and I can walk you thru it.
You can not positivity tell if the shocks or inserts are bad without removing them. Best on car test is to go over speed bumps and see if them bottom out.


Bruce