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-   -   suspension help (http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42165)

Little Green Car 01-05-2016 10:04 PM

suspension help
 
I'm changing my shocks and struts on my 98 ti. Saw a video of replacing rear trailing arm bushings while you have the rear shocks apart. My car is pretty much stock and since I don't race, I really want it to stay that way. My question is, do the bushings need changing? I'm assuming they are original. It's pretty inexpensive and relatively easy to change the bushings on the trailing arms and the subframe. What do you all think? Is it vital or just a good idea to change these out? Then the front end comes to mind. Do I need to change the control arms with the ball joints and the bushings? Maybe a whole kit? Looking for input here.

Biolite 01-06-2016 01:42 PM

If you have the time and money, it's a good idea to change them out while you have the suspension apart. You'll be surprised at the difference it'll make too. I can't say for sure it's vital at this point as I don't know the condition of the bushings or mileage of the car, but they're most likely worn. I would at least do the rear while the rear suspension is out; the front stuff is relatively easy to replace without tearing down the front suspension...with the exception of the shock tower mounts.

Little Green Car 01-06-2016 02:05 PM

Thanks for the input! I did more research and I absolutely agree with you. My car has 260k on original suspension parts. I have begun hearing noises from the front end. Rattles when hitting bumps. Not the ball joints but probably the bushings. I plan on just getting a control arm kit with everything and installing it.

Little Green Car 01-06-2016 02:36 PM

Or is it better or cheaper to rebuild the control arms??

Little Green Car 01-06-2016 09:01 PM

One more question. I know the rear shock mounts go bad. What about the front strut mounts? It seems like they are mostly just a bearing. Is there any way I can tell before taking them apart if they are ok or bad? Is this a part that needs to be changed?

Biolite 01-07-2016 04:19 PM

For the control arms, I think it's easier just to buy the Meyle HD's from Bavauto (pelican parts might have them as well). I don't think OEM ones are able to be rebuilt. For the front shock mounts, it is just a bearing. It will probably have play in it if it needs to be replaced. You might be able to pop the dust cap off and jack the car up and see if you can notice any play in the bearing. I can't remember the cost of them, but when I redid my suspension it was something I just replaced while I could get to it and call it good for another 180k or so.

Little Green Car 01-07-2016 05:25 PM

Thanks again! I tried looking at the strut mounts last night. Couldn't tell anything on the bearings, but I noticed the rubber was cracked and came to the same conclusion you did about just replacing them and chalking it up to done for another 180k. I'll look into those control arms. The meyle is the ones with the solid metal ball joints, right?

Biolite 01-08-2016 02:11 PM

Yep, as a bonus they are cheaper than the OEM control arms as well!


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