What parts to replace along with front shocks?

Post Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:34 pm

I read somewhere that the rubber "damper" that goes inside the strut is usually shot, but what about top mounts?

Any easy way to tell if they're shot before dismantling?

They're a bit expensive to buy on a "just in case" basis...

Post Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:13 pm

If they're not knocking over bumps, they're fine. Packing new grease into the bearings is a good plan.

Post Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:31 pm

About £20 a side from ECP - if you're gonna replace the dampers as they have to come off anyway I'd change them personally.

Last thing you want is having to take the sodding lot apart again a few weeks later

Post Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:14 pm

capri_rob wrote:About £20 a side from ECP - if you're gonna replace the dampers as they have to come off anyway I'd change them personally.

Last thing you want is having to take the sodding lot apart again a few weeks later

Good advice TBH.

Post Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:03 pm

Dunno what make you get in ECP for 20 quid, but I've ordered some SKF top mounts from my usual online supplier for â‚¬65 the pair and a set of bump stops.

The shocks (B4s) will come with the collar and the bellows won't they?

Anything else I should order ?

Post Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:00 pm

Lemforders from ECP for £20 each.

B4's come with the collars but you have to order the bellows & bumpstops separately.

Post Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:28 pm

wheres this rubber damper located? mine knocks over minor pot holes in the road been driving me mad these past few weeks

Post Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:35 pm

Check your anti roll bar droplinks first

Post Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:15 pm

capri_rob wrote:Check your anti roll bar droplinks first

All changed

Post Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:38 pm

The bump stops will only stop it knocking if you bottom out the shocks - which a minor pothole shouldnt do unless your suspension is slammed.

Sounds like Either your top mounts are knackered or one of the balljoints is on its way out.

Post Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:25 am

capri_rob wrote:The bump stops will only stop it knocking if you bottom out the shocks - which a minor pothole shouldnt do unless your suspension is slammed.

Sounds like Either your top mounts are knackered or one of the balljoints is on its way out.

Mines got a 60mm drop up front, normal humps are fine it's just potholes it sound like metal to metal.

Also sorry for the hijack clipper

Post Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:35 am

No problem. You're into changing stuff which I'm pretty sure I don't need to change anyway.

Mine has no knocks or any other symptoms of a bad front end other than oil all over the front right strut.

I'm just going to do the inserts, bump stops and top mounts. Thats if my shocks ever turn up... been waiting 2 weeks nearly.... what is it with Bilstein?

In my limited suspension experience the "metal on metal" knock sound more like ball joints...