OE Match

• Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 1997-99
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 2003-04
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04  

Diagram Ref No 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10

What This Product Does:

• The rear shock absorber top mount (upper mount) secures the top of the rear shock/strut assembly to the body tub/strut tower. It absorbs loads from the damper, isolates vibration/noise, and ensures the correct location and angle of the damper under load.
  
• Over time, the mount rubber or elastomer may degrade, the bearing (if present) may wear, bolts and nuts may become corroded or fatigued, and the mount may allow excess movement. This causes noise, poorer handling, mis-alignment of the suspension and degraded ride comfort.In effect: you’re restoring the top link between the rear damper and the chassis, so that the suspension behaves correctly under load, the damper is properly located, and unwanted movement or noise is eliminated.

• Knocking, clunking or popping noises coming from the rear strut tower/tower area when driving over bumps, especially rear of vehicle.
  
• Excessive vibration or noise from the rear when driving, particularly when the chassis or rear suspension moves under load.
  
• Poor ride quality or handling changes: feeling loose at the rear, rear end dancing, less precision in the rear cornering behaviour.
  
• Visible signs of mount degradation: If you inspect the mount and see rubber cracking, flattening, separation, or the mount bearing (if present) is seized or has play.
  
• During a rear shock/strut replacement: If you are replacing the rear dampers or springs, the top mount hardware is often removed anyway—so replacing the mount and all associated hardware is efficient preventive maintenance.
• Corrosion or fatigue: If the top mount area of your model is subject to corrosion, bolt/nut fatigue, or the original mount has high mileage, then an overhaul kit is wise to avoid future failure.
  
  

• Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 1997-99
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 2003-04
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04

• The top mount (or strut mount) is the interface between the shock/strut assembly and the vehicle’s body structure (strut tower). It carries the load of the spring/damper and supports the assembly while allowing the strut to pivot during steering via its integrated bearing.
• Over time, the mount rubber degrades, the bearing wears, and the associated hardware can corrode or fatigue. The kit replaces not only the mount but also the bearing and supporting hardware (stop plates, washers, bump stops, dust covers) to restore front suspension performance and eliminate unwanted noise or movement.
• A typical “overhaul kit” includes all necessary parts for the top mount region—ensuring everything works together correctly rather than just replacing a single component.

• Suspension noise or clunking: Worn top mounts or bearings often produce knocking or creaking noises when going over bumps or when steering. Replacing the mount and bearing eliminates these (noise, vibration, harshness) symptoms.
  
• Steering / handling feel: A degraded top mount or bearing can lead to vague steering, reduced feedback, or front-end movement under load (cornering). A correct mount restores the intended geometry and feel.
  
  

• Porsche 996 C4 3.4L 1999-08/01
• Porsche 996 C4 3.6L 09/01-2005
• Porsche 996 C4S 3.6L 09/01-2005
• Porsche 996 TURBO 2000-05

• The top mount (strut mount) sits between the top of the shock absorber/strut and the vehicle’s body/strut tower. It supports the loads from springs, damper, steering (via bearing), and absorbs vibration/road noise.
• A monoball mount version replaces the standard rubber mount with a spherical bearing (monoball) or very stiff mounting that provides more direct steering/suspension feedback, reduces deflection under load, and keeps suspension geometry (camber, caster) more consistent during hard cornering.

• Clunking or knocking noise from the top of the front strut tower when going over bumps or during steering inputs — a worn mount or bearing often causes this.
• Squeaking or creaking noise when steering the wheel, especially at low speeds — the strut mount bearing may be worn.
  
• Poor steering feedback or vague handling, especially when cornering hard — a worn mount can cause deflection and loss of camber control.
  
• Excessive vibration or noise through the body from the front suspension; worn mount rubber or bearing can transmit more noise.
  
• During a shock/strut replacement or front suspension overhaul — since the top mount assembly must be removed anyway, replacing the modern monoball upgrade kit is logical to restore or upgrade suspension quality.
  
• Steering geometry issues — if you’ve had camber/caster issues, or your tyres are wearing unevenly at the front, a poor top mount may contribute.

• Suspension performance & tyre contact: On high-performance cars like a Porsche 911 C4/Turbo, the front suspension’s geometry and mounting rigidity matter a lot. If the top mount is deflecting, you lose optimal tyre contact patch under load, which reduces grip, increases tyre wear, and impairs handling.
• Durability & noise/vibration: Rubber top mounts tend to degrade over time (cracking, flattening, absorbing road noise). A good mount + bearing kit eliminates unwanted compliance and noise, and lengthens life of the strut/damper assembly.
  
• Precise handling and steering feel: The top mount bearing allows the strut to turn with steering; if worn, you get sloppy steering feel and delayed response. Upgrading to a monoball mount helps sharpen the steering and gives more direct feedback.
  
• Prevents repeat labour: Since access to the strut top requires removing mount or taking down the strut, doing a mount/bearing replacement while everything is open is cost-effective. It avoids having to redo labour later when noise or wear returns.