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Porsche 993: How to Replace Front Struts

How to easily replace front struts on your Porsche 993 in a couple of hours. You might also want to upgrade to M030, Euro M033 lowering-springs, and performance dampers. Continue reading as this article will show you how to do that.

By Dan Nguyenphuc - April 23, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 911 993 (1993-1998).

For this Porsche, the terms strut and damper can be used interchangeably since the dampers are sealed inside the strut-housing, and cannot be replaced individually. Shock absorbers are stand-alone dampers without springs or strut housings. They are not used on this model.

The factory OEM front struts lasts about 30 to 40k miles. A simple replacement with Sachs or Boge dampers restores original ride-quality and handling. Most will upgrade with lowering springs and performance dampers. If you're familiar with jacking up your car and are handy with tools, this is a simple weekend project. Otherwise, use a Porsche dealer or competent import-auto shop.

Pro Tip

The DIY Cost is for the parts combined.

  • Struts: $350-1,100
  • Springs: $250-450
  • Struts and Springs (4-set): $1,800-3,800

Materials Needed

  • Hydraulic jack and jack stands
  • Ratchet-wrench and sockets, 10mm Allen socket
  • Spring compressor
  • Impact wrench (optional)
  • Channel-lock pliers or upper strut nut socket 21/22 (optional)

Step 1 – Order replacement parts

These options were available from the factory. Many people purchase them from Porsche dealers or part suppliers when replacing struts.

  • M033 springs (part# 993.343.531.04-504) are the same rate as stock with 30mm drop. Use with Boge, Bilstein HD, Koni FSD struts.
  • M030 Sport Suspension springs (part# 993.343.531.01-504) are stiffer than stock with 30mm drop. Use with Bilstein PSS10, Koni FSD struts.
  • Aftermarket lowering-springs include Eibach, H&R, and Vogtland.
  • Figure 1. Bilstein HD struts.
  • Figure 2. Bilstein PSS10 struts.

Step 2 – Remove old struts

  • Using the impact-wrench, loosen both front strut's 21mm center mounting nut. All threads should still be engaged.

Figure 3. Loosen front strut mount 21mm nut on both sides.

  • Jack up front of car, place the jack stands.
  • Remove the front wheels.
  • Jack up the suspension arm under ball-joint to compress spring about 2-3 inches (use rubber pad in between).

Figure 4. Compress spring by jacking up suspension about 2-3", but don't raise car off jack stands.

  • Install spring compressor onto spring, and then tighten.

Figure 5. Install spring compressor onto spring.

  • Lower the jack slightly, and notice that the spring compressor keeps spring compressed.
  • Lower the jack enough so the spring is loose in the spring-perch, and can be wiggled by hand.
  • Disconnect ABS and brake pad sensor cables from strut.
  • Use some touch-up paint to mark orientation of alignment bolt where strut is clamped to spindle (10mm Allen bolt).
  • Remove the 10mm Allen bolt from strut clamp.
  • Remove the lower 17mm hex-head bolt from strut clamp.
  • Remove the upper strut mount nut. If the center rod spins, use special upper strut nut tool to hold it. You can also reach in from underneath, and hold with channel-lock pliers. You're throwing these old struts away anyway.
  • Lower the jack.
  • Remove the entire strut assembly.
  • Gently loosen the spring compressor to relax the old spring. If you are not installing new springs, then you can skip this part.

Step 3 – Install new struts

  • If using new springs, install spring compressor and tighten down spring about 2".
  • Install spring onto new strut housing.
  • Slide strut center rod through upper strut mount.
  • Tighten 21mm nut until center rod spins.
  • Install both strut clamp bolts onto spindle.
  • Rotate upper 10mm Allen-head with previously marked orientation. This restores previous camber settings.
  • Tighten spindle strut clamp nuts.
  • Jack up suspension arm under ball-joint, so the spring is compressed tightly between perches and the spring compressor can be wiggled.
  • Gently loosen the spring compressor, and remove.
  • Lower the jack to relax the suspension arm.
  • Reattach ABS and brake-pad sensors to strut.
  • Install wheels, and remove jack stands.
  • Tighten 21mm strut rod nut.

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