I had posted a while ago about a rattle that sounded like it was coming from up inside the right side of the dashboard. It was determined that the rattle was caused by a bad right front spring strut mount. Now the sound is back but is coming from the left side of the dashboard. I had the right one replaced by a Porsche shop. I'd like to replace the left one myself but first wanted to know if the vibration damper (shock absorber) can be dropped low enough after compressing the coil spring and removing the nut on the end of the shock that's inside the boot to clear the spring strut mount so that it can be replaced.

Thanks in advance for any insight you have on this.

 

Yes it can be. your camber may change even if you mark the nuts as your old mount is worn out. both front wheels of the ground, remove sway bar end link. the bottom of the coil spring can be pried over the perch and kind of "unscrewed" and that will get the spring psi off the strut. Now you can compress the strut and get it under the fender lip and change the parts needed and do the reverse to reinstall. I cover the fender with blue tape to guard against scratches. I you have lowering springs it is easier. You do need to turn the wheel one way or the other to gain enough space to do this.

 

Make sure if you are separating the lower ball joint or tie rod end you use a tool like this rather than a pickle fork.

 

no need to if you try my way

 

It's definitely tight but doable that way. I used the blue tape on my fender lip as well. I'd recommend a couple layers.

 

Thanks for the information. This is very helpful.