hello all!

I am new to this forum and ended up leasing a 2006 Porsche Boxster S about two weeks ago. I just have a quick question.

How strong is the suspension on these Boxsters?

I ended up going into a pothole last weekend. The pothole wasn't to big or anything or does it look like it might even be classified as a pothole. But I did hear a pretty loud noise that doesnt sound like the normal thumps you get from bad roads here and there.

The car does drive straight and nothing is really noticeable.... but there just something that feels like something is different...

I might just be real ****... can it be that the air pressure is different now after the pothole or any other ideas?

I called porsche and they charge 400$ for an alignment, so i really dont want to go that route.

Firestone offers unlimited lifetime alignment for $150. but I see mixed reviews about them from the internet.

Can anyone help me with my new baby? i dont want to stress about the car already!

 

Just get a tire gauge and measure tire pressure on all 4 corners.

Is your car going straight on a flat road? Does it pull to the left or the right? If not I wouldn't bother with an alignment.

I'd avoid those lifetime anything garage, you're not driving a Cavalier.

 

You don't need an alignment if the car still goes straight down the road.

But if you insist you need one here's some advice: Porsches are tricky to align. Go to your local Porsche Club of America chapter and ask around for an independent shop that specializes in Porsche and has an alignment rack. Do not use a local tire shop or retail chain unless you have a recommendation from antoher Porsche owner. The dealership is charging way too much. A good 4 wheel alignment should take a skilled tech under 1 hour labor and not cost more than $150 max but should probably be under $100.

Hitting a pot hole might flatten a tire but would not lower the pressure. Buy a tire gauge, take a Valium and chill out

 

[quote=jhp012;2286728]hello all!
How strong is the suspension on these Boxsters? I ended up going into a pothole last weekend.
.... but there just something that feels like something is different...

Hello, If the car steers straight, the suspension should be ok.

However... if something feels different you should take the car to your local tire shop and inspect that tire on the inside... if for some reason the tire got damaged you don't want to find out while going fast

 

Alignment goes out on these cars real easy. They are a PITA to get set right and get set to hold their alignment. Just because it's within specs, doesn't mean much since the factory permissible range is so wide. If all you do is putt-putt to the grocery store and it drives straight, then I wouldn't worry about it. Otherwise, I would find an independent "race" shop that knows how to align late-model Porsches and can set your alignment for the type of driving you do. Run away from Firestone/Sears type places. Our cars with wide low-profile tires are VERY sensitive to alignment. Also, the eccentric setup in the rear is a POS. They are really only good for 2 or 3 alignments and then should be replaced. Sure, anybody can get a car to be "in alignment". The question is whether the alignment is a good alignment and will it hold.

 

You can have good or bad alignment results from any shop. Like most stuff, it depends on the skill and conscientiousness of the tech and, to a lesser extent, the equipment. Check with your local car club for a reference. You cannot rely on the feel of the car to be confident of proper alignment. My opinion of the factory suspension is bit more favorable than the previous poster. It's not race quality, but assuming no extreme abuse, it is reasonably durable, and should not give you problems.

 

It would probably bend a wheel or damage a tire before it noticeably changed your alignment. The suspension along with everything else on a Porsche is very strong. Even with stiff, stiff lowed suspension, getting airborne off of rises and bottoming hard on landings, they take it very well. I have seen Boxsters that have went over curbs with surprisingly little damage. If the steering wheel is straight, and it drives straight don’t bother. It’s a lease car anyway, that means your supposed to beat on it!

 

WOW! I didn't know that...
Normally, when I changed my wheels and did alignment, I'd go to Firestone or Sillivan Tire, since my local dealers charge $395 for 911 and Cayman, $495 for Cayenne.
Should I go to local dealer next time?