987.2 CS handling quirks - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

I'm finally getting the chance to drive the Cayman properly and it is an enjoyable experience. However there are a couple of areas I'd like to improve on whether that involves replacing components for std, upgrading or accepting that's the compromise from a std setup. The car has recently had alignment done (by previous owner) but I will be getting it done again in the near future (as close to the R specs as possible with a std ride height, or maybe uprate to the R shocks/springs) It's a std manual 987.2 S with the factory LSD, just shy of 100k miles, 19" wheels and Michelin PS tyres. Slow to medium pace driving there are no negative traits, except a slight rattle at the rear left over slow speed high frequency bumps. I've got a pair of new rear drop links to hopefully clear that up, they'll go on this week. When pushing on I have a few observations which I don't recall being present on my previous 987.1 cayman S. 1) Towards the top of the rev range when lifting off/on but still remaining at high revs the car changes direction slightly. Fairly sure its left to right, left on the power then slight pull right when lifting. Nothing noticable till above aprrox 6k rpm 2) After crests if the car returns to heavily compression the car is a bit unstable (direction changes) - My initial thoughts are it's related to the problem above although I do wonder if it's just the compromise from a softer setup. Over every other type of bump/corner the car behaves excellently. 3) With traction control off, the light still flashes in low grip situations. The traction doesn't seem linear when this happens. I was under the impression that with LSD cars the traction went fully off but something doesn't seem right. Appreciate any feedback on this, Cheers, Dunc.

I have a thread a few under yours about tightening up a 987.2 with marginally less miles. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... I can’t note any of the quirks you’ve mentioned on my car but I would hazard a guess to say that at your mileage the LSD plates could be we’ll pass their best.

Could 1 and possibly 2 be down to worn engine mounts?

I think I'd get the geo rechecked. 1 sounds a bit like a wonky thrust angle which is perhaps just more obvious at the more extreme end of things

LennyM1984 said: I think I'd get the geo rechecked. 1 sounds a bit like a wonky thrust angle which is perhaps just more obvious at the more extreme end of things This.

Massive thanks for the responses I was thinking the engine/gbox mounts myself but would have expected to have a knocking noise also. I still consider it to be the most likely culprit. I'm not convinced a less than optimal thrust angle would cause the issue only at high revs, if I'm in 6th at lower revs for example there's no sign of it. Saying that I'll take it on board and make sure I'm happy with the next alignment - thanks. I hadn't considered the LSD, although I realise it could well be worn I thought that might just equal less locking. I'm no diff expert though and I'll take the suggestion on board. Dunc. Edited by dunc_sx on Tuesday 1st June 14:28

I reckon dampers will be well past their sell by date with 100k miles on. I have a set I removed from my 987.2 at 15k miles if interested. Generally from 40-50k miles on they will feel worn. I would change top mounts as well and as said engine and gearbox mounts. Worth considering new drop links as well and see how it feels after that.

Check your diff set up and pre load. On a 911 they lock on acceleration and braking. A trail will unlock the diff and the car will immediately feel loose. Try driving without a lift. Ie mainly braking or on open throttle. If the car is a lot more stable then it’s your diff set up.

When I test drove my 981 Boxster S with LSD (PTV) the car would thrust off centre at high revs in 2nd gear, requiring steering correction and would return to neutral when lifting off. I thought it must be the PTV as I've never seen this on another car. Dealer didn't believe me, so he drove the car and experienced the same thing. Turned out one of the rear tyre pressures was off. Once corrected it handled completely normally even under maximum acceleration. Edited by LunarOne on Tuesday 1st June 23:10

Sounds like a mis match in tyre make / pressure to me.

dunc_sx said: 3) With traction control off, the light still flashes in low grip situations. The traction doesn't seem linear when this happens. I was under the impression that with LSD cars the traction went fully off but something doesn't seem right. Appreciate any feedback on this, Cheers, Dunc. This used to happen with my CR when I turned it off on trackdays. The light regularly flashed when it got out of shape a little...but it didn't feel like the car was trying to sort itself out. Some say that's because you can never completely turn it off. However, because I didn't feel the 'helping hand', like you do if PSM is on, I wondered if it's just the light flashing to warn you that you've lost grip.

Update on this, points 1 & 2 have taken a turn for the worse and there is now a knocking from the front when stationary and moving the steering wheel. Main suspect is the inner track rod joints, or steering rack (although hopefully not). Outers feel fine and top mounts good as well. Jayxx83, thanks for the offer but my preference would be to replace with new. Front top mounts were replaced 6k miles ago. Steve Rance, thanks for the pointers although front end is now the suspect. LunarOne, thanks for info - tyre pressures constantly checked and are nice and stable LarJammer, matched tyres and pressure - thanks for response. Boxsey, you could well be correct - It's a bit pointless though I'm due on track in a week or so and I'll be able to investigate the traction a bit better then Once again I appreciate the responses and it's looking like a nice easy fix (I souldn't say this) Dunc. Edited by dunc_sx on Monday 7th June 10:56

dunc_sx said: Update on this, points 1 & 2 have taken a turn for the worse and there is now a knocking from the front when stationary and moving the steering wheel. Main suspect is the inner track rod joints, or steering rack (although hopefully not). Outers feel fine and top mounts good as well. I'm due on track in a week or so I assume you'll get it fixed beforehand?

It could be your caster angle is out

BertBert said: I assume you'll get it fixed beforehand? Hello BertBert, yes no track action with wonky steering Dunc.

Thought I'd better update this before I start my new thread So I replaced the front trackrods ends and inners which tightened up the front a bit but the unstable feeling was still there, most notably over bumps or on/off the throttle. I put it in for inspection at a good garage for Porsches to see if I was missing anything, they couldn't find anything. I got the alignment done and the rear tow was out, bit weird how it was progressively getting worse but nevermind - he agreed there was no sign of excessive wear. Thanks for all the previous suggestions etc, much appreciated Dunc.

So have the issues gone away now that toe/alignment has been done?

braddo said: So have the issues gone away now that toe/alignment has been done? Hi braddo, If you'd asked me a week ago I would have said yes, it's completely fixed. Mainly because anything obvious/scary over bumps or any other stability is gone. However, there's still a tiny change of direction on and off the throttle - It's very subtle, nothing I would consider chasing a solution on. I do wonder if most other 987's also do it. It's only noticeable at higher cruising speeds during either full lift or full throttle. The jury is still out on the traction control, I had a small (see my other thread for why) go on track and the TC light was going bananas but no sign of lost traction. I didn't get the opportunity to explore that fully. Dunc.

dunc_sx said: Massive thanks for the responses I was thinking the engine/gbox mounts myself but would have expected to have a knocking noise also. I still consider it to be the most likely culprit. I'm not convinced a less than optimal thrust angle would cause the issue only at high revs, if I'm in 6th at lower revs for example there's no sign of it. Saying that I'll take it on board and make sure I'm happy with the next alignment - thanks. I hadn't considered the LSD, although I realise it could well be worn I thought that might just equal less locking. I'm no diff expert though and I'll take the suggestion on board. Dunc. Edited by dunc_sx on Tuesday 1st June 14:28 Have you checked or replaced the mounts?

Looking forward to the update on this. As an owner of a 53k 987.2 CS I have recently gotten some weird noises from around the rear suspension and putting it in to check. Cannot say I have noticed pull when lifting off though!

edc said: Have you checked or replaced the mounts? Checked but not replaced, garage couldn't find any issues. Dunc.

Just updating this list with what has been ruled out and what the prime suspects now are. This is for the unwanted direction change when on and off the throttle. Ruled out: - New rear ARB drop links - New rear ARB bushes - New tyres all round (PS4S), previously PS2 all round - New front inner track rods - New front track rods - Full alignment - 2x checks at specialists of suspension mounts (inc. gearbox and engine mtgs) - tyre pressures checked regularly and never change Prime suspects: - Diff - Front & rear shocks (old) - Drive shaft CVs - Brakes Any other pointers welcome, thanks. Dunc.

Thought I'd update this old thread now the unwanted direction change has been fixed in case it helps anyone else. It was really simple in the end, rear toe arm wear (left). Really strange that the highly regarded garages couldn't identify it until it was much worse but not the end of the world. Now replaced at the same time as adding b8's and Cayman R springs On the traction control query I can confirm it does kick in occasionally even when turned off in a factory LSD car. Cheers, Dunc.

Thanks for the update!

dunc_sx said: Thought I'd update this old thread now the unwanted direction change has been fixed in case it helps anyone else. It was really simple in the end, rear toe arm wear (left). Really strange that the highly regarded garages couldn't identify it until it was much worse but not the end of the world. Now replaced at the same time as adding b8's and Cayman R springs On the traction control query I can confirm it does kick in occasionally even when turned off in a factory LSD car. Cheers, Dunc. thats good news on your issue. How are you finding the b8's & R springs compared to stock (comfort & handling & ride height). Where did you order them cheers

mc50 said: thats good news on your issue. How are you finding the b8's & R springs compared to stock (comfort & handling & ride height). Where did you order them cheers Interested also ?

The springs came from Porsche and the b8's came from design911 when they had a sale on. I've only done 100 odd miles so can't give a massively detailed review but it still rides smooth, if you're looking for a large upgrade in stiffness you'll probably need something else I'd say. They are a bit more jiggly over bumps but any passengers wouldn't think twice about them if they hadn't been in the car with std suspension. Not sure if that makes sense? They don't feel massively aftermarket I suppose I mean. My old stuff had done 105k, which is worth taking into account. Even though the ride height is only a 20mm drop my max front -ve camber increased by 0.6mm which was a good result for me. Oh and they took a few miles to settle to the correct ride height (rear was sitting high to begin with) Cheers for all the good advice throughout this thread btw folks Dunc. Edited by dunc_sx on Sunday 19th June 23:20