A Porsche Boxster came in with leaking front struts at just over 100,000 miles. The struts were removed and replaced with Bilstein heavy duty units.
The Bilstein pss10 kit is a higher-cost alternative that includes a 10-way adjustable strut for fine-tuning the ride for street or track use. It also comes with adjustable spring perches and progressive springs.
The adjustable perches allow technicians to set a custom ride height based on the customer's needs. This also makes it possible to corner balance the car for better performance.
Factory trained technicians used a spring compressor to transfer the spring from the old strut to the new one. The new strut was then installed in place of the leaking unit.
What is involved in a Porsche Boxster Bilstein strut replacement?
A Porsche Boxster Bilstein strut replacement involves removing the worn or leaking front struts and installing new Bilstein heavy duty units. An upgraded option is the Bilstein PSS10 kit, which includes 10-way adjustable struts, adjustable spring perches, and progressive springs for custom ride height and improved street or track performance.
Our factory trained technicians using a spring compressor to take the spring from the old strut and put it on the new one
The new strut ready for install
New strut being replaced
strut being removed
old leaking strut
Installed strut
This Porsche Boxster had leaking front struts at just over 100,000 miles. We removed the struts and replaced them with Bilstein heavy duty units. Another option that costs a little more money but is a nice improvement is the Bilstein pss10 kit. It features a 10 way adjustable strut so you can fine tune the ride for street or track use. It also includes adjustable spring perches and progressive springs. The adjustable perches allow us to set a custom ride height based on the customer’s needs and corner balance the car for optimum performance.
FAQs
The most common sign is visible fluid leaking from the strut body, which is exactly what happens around the 100,000 mile mark on many Boxsters. You may also notice excessive bouncing, a rougher ride than usual, or uneven tire wear, all of which point to worn or failing struts.
Bilstein is a well-regarded German suspension manufacturer known for producing heavy duty, performance-oriented struts that hold up well under demanding conditions. They are a popular upgrade for the Porsche Boxster because they offer improved damping over stock units and are built to last, making them a solid choice for both daily driving and spirited use.
The Bilstein PSS10 kit is a coilover suspension system that includes 10-way adjustable struts, adjustable spring perches, and progressive rate springs. Unlike standard replacement struts, the PSS10 allows you to fine-tune the ride quality for street or track use and set a custom ride height, which also makes it possible to corner balance the car for better performance.
Standard Bilstein heavy duty strut replacements are the more affordable option, while the Bilstein PSS10 coilover kit costs more but adds significant adjustability and performance benefits. The exact price will vary depending on your location, the shop you use, and whether you go with the standard or PSS10 setup, so getting a quote from a Porsche-experienced shop is the best way to get an accurate number.
Yes, in many cases the original springs can be transferred to the new struts using a spring compressor, which is exactly how a standard Bilstein strut replacement is done. A trained technician will carefully compress the spring, remove it from the old strut, and install it onto the new unit before putting everything back on the car.
A strut replacement on a Porsche Boxster typically takes a few hours when performed by an experienced technician, though the exact time can vary depending on the condition of the existing hardware and whether a full alignment is needed afterward. If you are upgrading to the PSS10 kit with custom ride height and corner balancing, plan for additional time to dial in the setup properly.
Yes, a wheel alignment is strongly recommended after any strut replacement because the suspension geometry can shift during the process. If you are installing the Bilstein PSS10 kit and adjusting ride height, an alignment is especially important to make sure the car handles correctly and your tires wear evenly.
Published On: February 24, 2014Categories: Porsche
