As part of my first front suspension rebuild, I'm going to install a set of turbo tie rods. Never have rebuilt a Porsche suspension system, so while doing a search on some parts, I ran across some youtube videos that I thought were pretty informative. I viewed one showing ball joint replacement and another one from the same guy on tie rods. He also has another video on replacing front struts.

Even though he's working on an '82 911, the parts are basically the same.

It appears that this was the first time he performed these tasks, so he did run into some issues that he was unsure about. But in the end, everything turned out fine.

If I were to make a video of the same processes, I'm sure it would probably be similar, so it was nice to see how he dealt with those issues before I started in on the project.

If you've never done these tasks, check out the videos. I really enjoyed the 'back-yard mechanic' approach to it.


Ball Joints:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM5RYqcOxVo



Strut Cartridges:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RVWqgU7ZDs



Tie Rods:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BqfBl5H-3E

That guy cracks me up... I've seen a few of his videos before. Not real intuitive though...

The tie rod end is threaded on, he could have just removed to get the boot on. The boot fits so tightly over the end (by his own admission) there is no need for a clip or zip tie. The inside of the tie rod (portion closest to the steering rack) takes a special thin wrench. I happen to have an old adjustable wrench that is thinner than most new ones, happens to fit perfectly. Can't count threads as the tie rod itself is designed differently and does not match the old. Cut the old boot off, chances are its cracked/torn or ready to. Then measure from the steering. Rack to end of tie rod end. Set new one to same measured length before attaching to strut.

I like The idea of providing a nipple for periodic greasing, but I bet most of what he added smooshed out as once the end is torqued to the strut it it compresses the rubber quite a bit, ends up being very little room for grease.

One last thing, get lemforder brand, it's more expensive but outlasts the cheaper Chinese versions.

Upgrade the torsion bars. Makes a big difference.

Pat, I did buy all Lemforder components. I just got a chuckle out of the guy's videos.



Rob, this is for an early stock 1.7L and I'll also be installing a stock anti-sway bar during the rebuild. Am I really going to upgrade the torsion bars for a strictly street car?

[quote name='infraredcalvin' date='Oct 28 2015, 05:44 PM' post='2257773']
That guy cracks me up... I've seen a few of his videos before. Not real intuitive though...

he sent me to sleep

Didn't watch the videos but removing the control arm to replace the ball joint seems like more work than needed.

He lost all his leverage to tighten the nut back up when he had it clamped in the "BIG" vise on the workbench that wasn't bolted down.

There are more videos in his library ... the reason he removed the control arms was to replace the control arm and anti-sway bar bushings.

I just like all the Ah-Ha moments he has. I can relate


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-6xaJoJ2V0