front suspension geometry

[iantor]

I have just fitted a new set of compliance bushes on my 1988 350i. There was a lot of play in the old ones. How do I set the geometry - the only thing I had to go on was the relative position on the large end nut and the two locking nuts on the tie bar. There was a large distance to guess at!

Suggestions anyone?? ie can I measure the distance the tie bar travels through the mounting?

[shpub]

The bar length sets the castor. Unless you have a castor guage then measuring is about as good as you can get. Camber is preset by the wishbones and is not adjustable.

[350matt]

You could measure the distance between wheel centres on the other undisturbed side and set it to that?

[iantor]

With regards to the castor settings, will I need a specialist to adjust correctly?

[mikeb]

If you do that who is to say that the undisturbed side is correct??.

When I took my 'donut' bushes off from the front of the tie bars they were like the inside of a MilkyWay choc bar!, well the bits that were left anyway. By the looks of them there were like that for years.

After changing the springs and bushes and messing aroundwith a measuring tape etc I ended up taking my car to a 4 wheel laser alignment place and all of the wheels were out in one shape or form, the one of the drivers side especially which was causing the wheel arch rubbing.

The car now drives and corners much better than before and all setup properly for about £30. Much better than bits of string and measuring tape IMHO.

One piece of advice though, take the geometry spec with you cos you can guarantee that they ain't got one loaded on the database for a 350i

MikeB

[adam quantrill]

I did my compliance bushes and now get a strange 'clunk' on hard cornering - any ideas?

Presumably the thin brass washer goes against the chassis and the large steel washer next to the nut.

Other than that I'm a bit perplexed.

[mikeb]

I had the same thing.

Found out it was the Anti-roll bar bushes had come slightly loose and the roll bar was 'snatching' against the 'dry' bush.

Had to move the roll bar when dissasembling the drop link bushes and obviously did not tighten the clamps up enough.

Tightened them up and gave 'em a squirt of silicone and the noise went away.

Give 'em a look.

Mike