One front EDC strut shot and now one back one. Car feels like a pudding to drive. I've managed to buy a set of four through our favourite auction site - they look much better than mine but I'd like to ask advice from the experts on any pitfalls to expect in fitting them and are there any things you would suggest changing at the same time. Thanks
P.S. If it all goes pear shaped at least I'll have a set to get refurbed
I can't advise re fitting dampers and SLS (bleeding the pentosin is beyond my experience), but I would recommend changing all suspension bushes at the same time based on my changing mine piecemeal and noting a significant incremental improvement with each change. I also have a set of unused front topmounts if you're interested.
Cheers, Anwar
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If you focus on quality, you don't need to worry about quantity.
Congratulations on finding 4 replacement dampers .
What tests have you carried out to ensure that it is worth the labour intensive task of fitting all 4 to your car , as it would be an awful shame to carry out the work only to discover that there is no tangible improvement .
Assuming that the dampers are good and none of your existing components such as top mounts , upper and lower control arms , rear subframe bushes , arb bushes , pitman arms etc etc are worn , then I would simply swap the dampers over and assess the results .......otherwise you may be basing your assessment on the improvement brought about by renewing other components .
When removing the sls pipes at the base of the rear shocks , use 2 17mm spanners ( IIRC ) to crack the fittings off against eachother and minimise the risk of twisting the pipes .
D
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Better a day as a tiger than a lifetime as a sheep !
Congratulations on finding 4 replacement dampers .
What tests have you carried out to ensure that it is worth the labour intensive task of fitting all 4 to your car , as it would be an awful shame to carry out the work only to discover that there is no tangible improvement .
otherwise you may be basing your assessment on the improvement brought about by renewing other components .
D
As usual Dave I can only agree with your ever-eloquent advice particularly on the need to identify the precise nature of the problem. Perhaps you would agree that bushes are often forgotten in the context of previous damper changes, are often worn out long before the arbitrary 100,000 miles often considered acceptable for dampers, and in the absence of a damper change have quite likely never been changed.
I was very surprised just how much tight new bushes contributed to the correct function of new dampers. The ride, braking, steering were all appreciably more controlled. I have been so pleased with the improvement at comparatively modest cost I plan to change them at 3-4year intervals.
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If you focus on quality, you don't need to worry about quantity.
Baddie , you are 100% spot on re the importance of the various steering / suspension parts and their remarkable effect on overall handling / steering , turn in and control .
My concerns and advice was based on the fact that our fellow member , Blairlinn , had opted to buy second hand units , sight unseen , and may therefore be considered to be working to a budget .
The fact that Blairlinn now does not see any point in not replacing the top mounts , even if his current items are in perfect usable condition , would suggest that I have made an incorrect assumption .
Good luck with your damper change Blairlinn , renew as many parts as you can and , assuming that your replacement dampers are efficient , your M5 should feel much improved .
D
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Better a day as a tiger than a lifetime as a sheep !
Cheers David, agree with your approach to 'target' problems and expenditure.
As enthusiastic owners we are torn between spending the money these thoroughbred cars would ideally require, spending money that's in proportion to their current value, and spending what's actually in our pockets!!!
Anwar
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If you focus on quality, you don't need to worry about quantity.
The Following User Says Thank You to Baddie For This Useful Post:
Anwar can you give me price details for the top mounts please.
If anyone needs a complete front bumper I've got a spare one as I screwed up in thinking I could replace my damaged front spoiler by unbolting it from the complete one - didn't know it was all the same moulding !!
Started to strip off rear dampers today - didn't know the rear seat had to come out - what a struggle that was! Bottom bolt and spigot were solid - it took an hour to get the bottom mount off. Turns out I've got a broken spring.
Can anyone advise the best dealer in the area for parts discount (Stirling, Glasgow or Edinburgh). Thanks
EDC suspension woes
and have a small inventory of obscure parts
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