993 Door Bracket Failure

Porsche 993 Door Check Strap Bracket Failure

A common problem with Porsche 993 models is the bracket in the front door jambs. Poor design can lead to failure and if not addressed quickly will involve a very costly repair solution.

Since

1973

(480) 556-6572

This was never an issue in previous models because of a manufacturing change.

While the intrinsic engineering design is weak and not very robust, for one reason or another, Porsche made things even worse by discontinuing the practice of applying a small bead of weld beneath the bracket during manufacturing for added strength. Curiously, not all 993s were built this way. From our research and observation there is no pattern as to why Porsche strengthened some and not others. It is important to inspect this prior to purchasing a 993. Also periodically inspect if you already own a 993. It goes without saying the driver’s side fails much more frequently than the passenger side.

Evidence of a failing or failed bracket is a “clicking” as the door is opening or closing. Another tell is that the part of the bracket the door strap pins to is no longer centered in the horizontal slot on the door jamb. This is the first stage of a failed bracket.

Reinforcing weld bead

You can see in photo #1 a textbook example of a healthy bracket with the reinforcing weld bead. Photo #2 shows a 993 bracket without the weld. Most likely just a matter of time before failure occurs. One precaution that can help prevent failure is modifying the door check strap so it has less resistance when opening and closing. (New check straps, Genuine Porsche or aftermarket, have far too much resistance for our taste! We always modify them before installing.)

This series of photos is Porsche’s subtle acknowledgement that they in fact pooped the bed. The new door jamb section offered as a spare part by Porsche is reinforced substantially with welds on the top and bottom of the bracket.

Worst of the Worst

A video and a series of photos begins with the reigning champion of our Check Strap Bracket Wall of Shame. It is by far the worst that we’ve ever seen and is the result of completely ignoring the problem for YEARS. This one was so bad that we had to cut a section out of the jamb, strengthen the opening, and graft in a new boxed section. Even a seasoned pro cannot tell that this bracket was ever a problem.