Suspension replacement
Suspension replacement
Author
Discussion

robdeville

Original Poster:

27 posts

202 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
The S3 is still wearing the original dampers and springs,and they are going this winter. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced replacement set ?
I'm not intending to use the car on the track,but I shall be giving it some big beans as and when (like you do). Many thanks.

Griffinr

1,017 posts

203 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
I recently fitted the GAZ nickels to mine, they are fully adjustable and have transformed the handling of the car, especially now I've adjusted the play out of the steering rack.
I run the dampers a lot softer than recommended in normal use as I found the ride was a bit harsh on the recommended settings. I note some people on here prefer stiffer springs as well so it would be worth having a good read before stumping up the cash.

Rob.

Harry1972M

743 posts

273 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
Hi Rob,
When you say "adjusted the play out of the rack" - can you expand on that a bit for me please, it might help me with something I am working on at the moment.
Thanks in advance.
Graham

Griffinr

1,017 posts

203 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
Harry1972M said:
Hi Rob,
When you say "adjusted the play out of the rack" - can you expand on that a bit for me please, it might help me with something I am working on at the moment.
Thanks in advance.
Graham
We're going a bit off topic here, but play in the rack is usually due to wear between the pinion, the rack itself and the preload plunger which controls the clearance between the rack and pinion. On top of the rack adjacent to the pinion is an oval plate held by 2 hex screws. Under the plate is the plastic preload plunger with a spring in the centre. The plate is shimed to allow adjustment of the preload. Removing the appropriate number of shims (trial and error) compensates for any wear. Older Haynes manuals for most cars descride how to service steering racks.

Sorry for going off topic.

robdeville

Original Poster:

27 posts

202 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
Thanks everyone.....don't think you are going off topic Rob,most helpful !

I take it replacing these shocks is a pretty straight forward job,ie no specialist tools etc ?

Griffinr

1,017 posts

203 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
Straight forward job, the shocks usually come with a C spanner to adjust ride height as they are not set as supplied. Final tightening of the top and bottom shock mounts should be done with the wheels on the ground to ensure the bushes are not under twist in the static condition.

Rob.

Alan Whitaker

2,054 posts

211 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
Hi All
I have found these very good to deal with and very helpfull on the phone

http://www.shock-absorbers.co.uk/find_shock_absorb...

Alan

Wiz

2,474 posts

243 months

Thursday 3rd December 2009
quotequote all
Quite a few of the tvr specialist garages do offers on the shocks and fitting. Usually an extra few quid but you dont get your hands dirty. Plus they need the geometry setting up when fitted.

Had a set of Gaz nickels fitted a while back and very happy with them. Certainly made a big differnce over the original worn out ones.