How can you tell if your suspension is knackered?

[Mahmood]

Hi all

Driving the car this a.m. and had to slow down for a speed bump. Anyway, did so but then heard a bit of noise from the rear offside as I suspect the exhaust caught the speed bump event though I took it slowly.

Inspected the car afterward and all looked OK I thought I had a flat/leaking tyre that meant the car was lower on the rear offside. Tyre looks fine though. I had a quick look and can see no fluid leaking but I did notice the gap between the tyre and arch is not very much and the car is not lowered.

How can I check to see if the suspension is OK? Maybe simple but if you don't ask...

I need to know as I am driving to Dorset on Sat. a.m. and want the car to be safe for such a long journey.

Cheers all.

[TOURINGDADDY]

first off what e30 is it? and the simple bounce test is a good start it should settle in 2/3 bounces

[Simon]

first off what e30 is it? and the simple bounce test is a good start it should settle in 2/3 bounces

2/3 bounces? That would tell me the suspension is knackered. The car should not bounce, it should settle straight away.

[TOURINGDADDY]

that wot i ment its early

[Mahmood]

Hi all

Will do the simple bounce test.

The car in question is Splondike's Sport that I bought.

Cheers all

[TOURINGDADDY]

if settles pretty quick then check the top mounts

[Karan]

Hi all

Will do the simple bounce test.

The car in question is Splondike's Sport that I bought.

Cheers all

ive been in that car and suspension seemed fine however id lift it and inspect all bushes and just change the rear top mounts and front top mounts as a matter of course... they arent too expensive from main dealer.

[dazleeds]

well if karan,s had hold of your car it,ll probably be collapsed on the deck

[Karan]

well if karan,s had hold of your car it,ll probably be collapsed on the deck

ive just had a ride in it......

seemed tighter than other standard sports... i think mark had done a few things like subframe bushes etc....

[dazleeds]

does he hav any tyres left now?

[Karan]

does he hav any tyres left now?

i was firmly in the passenger seat

[dazleeds]

Damn thort youd wanna show him how its done mate

spin up them rears

[E30Mark]

Where abouts in Dorset you going? could always take a look if your passing...

[Martinaston]

Bouncing the car won't show anything if you have broken a spring or dislodged it.
Does the car still sit level ?

[Mahmood]

E30Mark - I am at a wedding at Nether Cerne during the day.
http://dorsethistoricchurchestrust.co.u ... _cerne.htm

I am staying at the Greyhound in Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9PD on Saturday night and driving back to London on Sunday late a.m.

How far are you from the Greyhound? I don't want to put you out mate but if you can give me ten minutes of your time, I'd appreciate it

Karan - thanks for the advice. Yes, the car is 'tight' and that's exactly what I said when I took it for a test drive.

Everyone else, cheers...will do the bounce check tonight.

[E30Mark]

E30Mark - I am at a wedding at Nether Cerne during the day.
http://dorsethistoricchurchestrust.co.u ... _cerne.htm

I am staying at the Greyhound in Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9PD on Saturday night and driving back to London on Sunday late a.m.

How far are you from the Greyhound? I don't want to put you out mate but if you can give me ten minutes of your time, I'd appreciate it

dorchester is about 30mins west from me. I'm in Wimborne, (in between Bournemouth & Poole) you will have to drive within a few hundred metres of my place if your coming along the A31...

I'll PM you my address, etc. Feel free to pop round! especially as i always wanted to splondikes wheels....