Shock Absorber Parts FRONT

The shock-absorber compensating plate, also known as spring shim / coil-spring plate for Porsche 996 / 997 / 986 / 987 (OEM part No 996.343.511.00 and 996.343.511.01) is a small metal washer-style plate that sits between the top of the coil spring and the strut top mount/support ring. It’s used to compensate for spring manufacturing tolerances and to ensure the spring seats correctly and the static ride height and geometry are as Porsche intended. 

996.343.511.00 – compensating plate (thinner option, commonly ≈ 3.0 mm).

996.343.511.01 – compensating plate (thicker option, commonly ≈ 6.5 mm). 

•  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 
•  Porsche Boxster 987 2.7L 2005 -08/08 
•  Porsche Boxster 987 S 3.2/3.4L 2005-08/08 
•  Porsche Boxster 987 MKII 2.9L 2009-2012 
•  Porsche Boxster S 987 MKII 3.4L 2009-2012 
•  Porsche 996 C2 3.4L 1997-08/01 
•  Porsche 996 C2 3.6L 09/01-2005 
•  Porsche 997 Carrera 2 3.6L 2005>> 
•  Porsche 997 Carrera 2S 3.8L 2005>> 
•  Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C2 3.6L 2009>> 
•  Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C4 3.6L 2009>> 
•  Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C2S 3.8L 2009>> 
•  Porsche Cayman 2.7L 987C 2006-08 
•  Porsche Cayman S 3.4L 987C 2005-08 
•  Porsche Cayman 2.9L 987C MKII 2009-12 
•  Porsche Cayman S / R 3.4L 987C MKII 2009-12       

Why are important / when to replace

Correct ride height & geometry: Porsche marks springs with tolerance codes; the correct compensating plate thickness is used to achieve the intended static height and suspension geometry. Using the wrong thickness (or missing the plate) can shift ride height by a few millimeters and slightly alter camber/handling.

Proper spring seating: the plate centers and supports the spring top so the spring doesn’t “walk” or sit unevenly on the top mount — missing/damaged plates can allow the spring to sit off-centre and introduce noise or uneven wear.

During any strut/spring/top-mount job: always inspect/replace these plates when you disassemble the strut. They’re inexpensive and commonly replaced as part of a suspension refresh. 

Common issues and symptoms

Clunking or popping noises over bumps or in turns if the spring isn’t seating properly (plate missing, crushed, corroded or installed with wrong orientation).

Incorrect ride height / slight handling changes if the wrong thickness is used (3.0 mm vs 6.5 mm can change static height and the intended spring preload/stack). Enthusiast threads explicitly call out these two thicknesses and their effect.

Corrosion / physical damage: over time OE plates can corrode or get deformed during disassembly — they’re cheap and often replaced because removal can damage them.