Porsche 996 Suspension Arms: What should I buy and when should I replace them?
Thinking about upgrading your suspension arms? Here are some of our best sellers
If you’re a proud owner of a Porsche 996, then you know that it’s a special car that demands the best in terms of performance and handling. One of the key components that can make a big difference in the way your Porsche 996 handles on the road is the suspension system. The suspension arms in particular are critical to maintaining the car’s stability, handling, and responsiveness.
Fortunately, there are many options available for upgrading the suspension arms on your Porsche 996, from simple bolt-on replacements to more advanced performance-oriented components. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular suspension arm upgrades available for the Porsche 996, and discuss how each one can improve your car’s handling and performance.
Whether you’re a track enthusiast looking to extract the maximum performance from your Porsche 996, or simply want to improve the driving experience on the road, upgrading your suspension arms can make a big difference. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Porsche 996 suspension arm upgrades.
What are the signs I should replace them?
There are several signs that your suspension arm may be bad in your Porsche. Here are some common symptoms:
- Vibrations or shaking: If you feel vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or the car itself, it could be a sign of a bad suspension arm.
- Pulling to one side: A bad suspension arm can cause your Porsche to pull to one side, even if you’re driving on a straight road.
- Uneven tyre wear: If you notice that your tyres are wearing unevenly, it could be due to a bad suspension arm. Uneven tyre wear can also be a sign of other suspension issues, so it’s important to have it checked out by a professional mechanic.
- Clunking or knocking sounds: A bad suspension arm can cause clunking or knocking sounds when you drive over bumps or rough roads.
- Poor handling: If your Porsche feels loose or unstable when you’re driving, it could be a sign of a bad suspension arm.
Replacements For Road Use
For road use, you may want to consider suspension arms that offer a good balance between comfort and performance. Here are a few options to consider:
Meyle Suspension Arms: Meyle is a reputable brand that offers high-quality aftermarket parts for Porsche models, including the 996. Their HD Suspension Arms are designed to provide improved handling and stability, while still maintaining a comfortable ride. They are made from durable materials and are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
Some popular arms from Meyle include –
CONTROL ARM
Fits:
Porsche 986 1997-04 Front only
Porsche 996 All 1998-2005 Front and Rear
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CONTROL ARM WITH LOWER BALL JOINT ‘COFFIN ARM’
Wishbone Control Arm with Lower Ball Joint.
SET OF 2
Fits:
Porsche 986 Boxster 1997-04 Front or Rear
Porsche 996 C2/C4/C4S 1998-04 Front or Rear
Porsche 996 Turbo 2000-2005 Front (non adjustable) or Rear
Porsche 996 GT3 1999-2002 MKI Rear
Porsche 996 GT3 2003-2005 MKII Rear (non adjustable)
Please note this arm is not an adjustable type (not motorsport – M004 option)
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CONTROL ARM TOP REAR. PORSCHE 996 / 997
Control arm top Rear.
Fits:
Porsche 996 C2/C4/C4S 1998-2005
Porsche 996 TURBO/GT3
Porsche 997 MKI 2006-2009
Porsche 997 TURBO/GT3
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CONTROL ARM REAR WITH BALL JOINT
Control arm rear with ball joint. SET OF 2
Fits:
Porsche 986 Boxster
Porsche 987 Boxster 2006>>
Porsche 987c Cayman 2005>>
Porsche 996 C2/C4 1998-2005
Porsche 996 Turbo 2000-2005
Porsche 996 GT3 1999-2005
Porsche 997 MKI 2006-2009
Porsche 997 GT3 2006-2009
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Replacements For Track Use
When it comes to track use, you may want to consider suspension arms that are designed to handle the increased demands of high-performance driving. Here are some options to consider:
Eibach offers a range of high-quality control arms for various Porsche models, including the 996. Their control arms are made from high-strength materials and are designed to provide improved handling and performance.
Some popular arms from Eibach include –
ADJUSTABLE LOWER CONTROL ARM KIT
Currently these arms fit the following models
• 996 FRONT OR REAR (inc GT3)
• 986 FRONT
• 997 FRONT OR REAR
• Boxster/Cayman (987/981) FRONT OR REAR
Made from Forged 6061-T6 aluminium for maximum strength and at a minimum weight point. Fitted with a fully rebuildable balljoint which is greasable too. It can also be preloaded to your desired amount of torque at the balljoint. The arms also feature already built in provision for the ride height sensor on Litronic equipped cars.
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ADJUSTABLE LOWER TRAILING ARM KIT
Featuring an analogue (no fiddly shims used here) The settings can be simply achieved with the arm pre-fitted to the vehicle and adjusted without the need for any special tools.
PRICE IS FOR A SET OF 2.
Currently these arms fit the following models
• 996 FRONT OR REAR (inc GT3)
• 986 FRONT
• 997 FRONT OR REAR
• Boxster/Cayman (987/981) FRONT OR REAR
Shop it here.
RSS offers a range of suspension upgrades for the 996 that are designed for track use. Their solid billet aluminium control arms, adjustable sway bar links, and monoball control arm bushings are engineered to provide maximum handling and performance
Some popular arms from RSS include –
ADJUSTABLE THRUST ARM BUSHING LOWER CONTROL ARM KIT
RSS Lower control arm kit for Porsche Models.
Type: None Adjustable Thrust Arm Bushing
RSS Tarmac Series Motorsport Lower Control Arms are specifically engineered for use on lowered vehicles that have reduced travel struts/dampers such as PASM or M030 option. Alternatively if the car is equipped with high quality aftermarket or motorsport coilover kits ie Bilstein PSS10, KW V3 or Ohlins etc.
The Lower Control Arms are NOT COMPATIBLE with “Base Model Suspension” (long travel struts/dampers) or “Base Model struts/dampers with lowering springs.”
Price: Set of Two Control Arms plus 2 x 1mm/2mm/3mm/7mm Shims
Shop it here.