I broke this suspension part. What is it?

I installed my Bilstein PSS9's coilovers this weekend. I had never tried this before, so I followed the Article that Adax had posted Message - My Articles . Everything went fine with the fronts. When I got to the rears, per the recommendations of thunderball and Slatfatf, instead of separating the ball joint between the wheel hub and the control arm (many seem to have difficulty with this step), I disconnected the control arm from its inboard pivot, and also disconnect the drag link from the control arm. The passenger side was no problem, but on the drivers side, there was a slight difference that I didn't notice until it was too late. Wrapped around the control arm inboard pivot point is a piece of plastic that is connected through an arm to some type of switch located about 8 inches above the control arm. Pics: From what I could tell, the typical stress on this part is pressing against the top of the control arm. So even broken the way it is, I think it will still serve whatever purpose it does. But I'm not sure... What is this part, and what does it do? How critical is it that I replace it? Appreciate any help or insight... TwistyRoads

Good question, maybe someone with a PET catalog can answer the question. I know that on the drivers side front there is a switch for the self leveling xenon headlights, not sure what one in the rear would be for unless it is also for the same and they combine the measurements from each switch to get the car's angle or something, check and see if the switch it goes to is similar to the one on the driver's front, otherwise I don't have a clue on this one....

It is related to the installation of the Xenon lighting system and the self leveling system. It is listed as a 'Support', part number is 987 331 371 02, $3.70 plus tax.

Sometimes I amaze even myself.... :hilarious: (Han Solo - 1977)

I looked in a 2007 PDF 987 parts catalogue and it just says support. Not a very descriptive name. It does show the broken part. You have to check with someone like Suncoast to make sure the part no. has not been changed.

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I Googled the part number and came up with the same frustrating description of "support", so it's amazing to have CC as a resource. :thanks: I do have the Xenon headlights, but I'm out of town at the moment, so I can't test to see if the headlights are actually impaired. I've sent a PM to Aaron at Suncoast to see if I can get the part from him. Cheers, Twisty

Just to wrap up this story and possibly contribute to the knowledge base... - Confirmed Part #987 331 371 02. Ordered a new one from local dealer (Sonnen). Cost: $12.71. Description on bag from US packing list: "Clamping Holder Autom. H/L Levelling" Yes, that is how they spelled "leveling". - Replacement and installation was straightforward. Did not have to remove any of the suspension components. I removed the wheel for easier access. The bolt fastening this part to the connecting arm requires a 10mm socket with a long extension and a 10mm end wrench to remove. - While the connecting arm was still disconnected from the clamp, I turned on the headlights and moved the arm up and down. I can absolutely confirm that this sensor controls the headlight auto leveling feature. This is a picture looking straight up from under the car at the sensor that the clamp is connected to. At the angle, it's difficult to get a good picture. The "swingarm" of the sensor is pointing straight down and the connecting arm is hanging straight down from the "swingarm": And just for good measure, here are two shots of the FRONT Auto Leveling Headlight sensor, connected to the lower control arm. With the left front wheel removed, you can easily see this sensor: Thanks for the assistance...much appreciated! TwistyRoads

Recently noticed my "Clamping SP" was broken. Ordered new one today from local dealer for $6.44. Thought I might have to buy a "Kit" at big $, but thankfully Porsche sells this part separately.

LOL - I broke this part today installing Ohlins S&T coilovers. I found the part fairly easily online as the part number is clearly written on the part. I had also already strongly suspected this was not a mission-critical failure. Thankfully this thread exists to explain exactly what is going on with this weird plastic clamp. Thank you!