Suspension Work

[fudgitive]

Well the time has come to address the suspension issues that I have, I put the car up on stands a few days back and gave it all a bit of a cleanup and a drowning in WD40 in anticipation of ripping it apart in a few weeks.

The front is clunking a bit when slowly moving around in car parks and such, and the rear has a knock in both sides when going over speed humps (but more on the right).

I had my Indie suggest what needed changing a few months back, and they came back to me and said for the rear just the lower control arm bushes, and for the front the lower arms, tie rods and steering shock. Noticed that the PO had supplied a set of the rear bushes with the box of bits that came with the car, so they must have been on the way out for a while.

The rubbers at the top of the rear struts are starting to visibly crack now so certainly need replacement too, I am hoping that these and the lower control arm bushes will eliminate the knock, coz I am not so keen about having to replace the hydraulic struts.

I will take the opportunity to change the spring pads, as I noticed the rears are currently 2 point and the front 4 point pads, so will go to 1 all round.

What do the colour codes on the springs mean? The rear have red and white dots, and the fronts red, white and blue ! ??

Oh where is the best place online to buy a spring compressor (that will ship international) ?

 

[JordiC]

You can search the forum for more in-depth answers in previous posts. Here is my quick rundown as I am facing similar issues but waiting for funds to begin.

Front: Replace all rubber bushings including those on the sway bar. Dave has a good point with getting new updated LCA units with fixed bushings and spare yourself the hassle of replacing just bushings in your old arms. Replace idler arm bushing, center link, steering damper and tie rods. Inspect springs and change pads to suit your desired height. Replace strut bump stop and dust boot if worn. Inspect strut mount as well.

Rear: Oh dear, you could very well have the "dreaded strut rattle" The only solution is to replace the affected struts with new units. Replace and inspect all bushings and elements similar to front. Check hydraulic fluid.

Follow with 4 wheel alignment.

The recommended spring compressor would be the Klann 025 but it is pricey.

I'm sure other members will add to this list.

 

[jano]

Don't forget the SLS spheres in the back?

 

[Allgonquin]

I believe I have the dreaded strut rattle. Or at least a significant clunking on the right side over small bumps. I don't seem to have any loose bushings or links. I bought a pair of used rear hydrostruts several years ago so I'll try one and see what happens. Hardest thing will be getting a somewhat rusty hose fitting off the strut, I fear.

 

[gerryvz]

Allgonquin, that's definitely DSR (dreaded strut rattle). Good that you have a replacement strut to try. Make sure you replace your STB's (strut-top bushings) when you perform the surgery.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

What do the colour codes on the springs mean? The rear have red and white dots, and the fronts red, white and blue ! ??

See attached.

Oh where is the best place online to buy a spring compressor (that will ship international)?

Click here for a Klann setup, you can get the Chinese copies cheaper but I prefer the Made in Germany stuff myself...

 

[fudgitive]

Thanks Mr Dave.... hmm that means I have long springs with 4 point pads, explains the 4wd look !