Suspension check facility

[bmwcsl]

I have an annoying knock in the front left suspension on my 840 BMW. A few people have been unable to diagnose it including a garage very familiar with them.

Any suggestions for a shop that is more specialised and may have one of thos suspension shaker things?

Thanks,

Rohan

[andrew]

jzm

[belleair302]

The only people who really understand the 8 series are Gerry and his team in Camberley who run Phoenix Motorsport. Their knowledge of these is unbeatable and Gerry has developed a number of suspension parts to improve the handling of the 8 series. Give them a shout.

[bmwcsl]

Sadly It has been down to him and I just had to change out all of the track rods he put in 10k miles ago as they were all knackered - quality parts!

[cirks]

Welwyn Tyres have a vibrating ramp so they might be able to help

[Cactussed]

Fairly sure the 840 front end is the same as my B10, or very similar.
I also had an annoying knock.
Changed track rod ends, ARB bushes, drop links (ie, all the easy stuff).
No joy.

Turned out to be the centre steering link that attaches to the steering box.
I'd be looking at replacing the whole lot, side to side (as I did). Problem solved.
I also had the steering box rebuilt for good measure.

[bmwcsl]

Hi there,

thanks for the Welwyn tip - will try them.

I imagine it is similar to the B10 - I just changed the track rods and centre tie rod - really hoped it was the central tie rod but no joy.

I am now wondering if it isnt the steering box itself. It does feel like it is the near side fromt only though.

[Cactussed]

Difficult to tell. There is some adjustment on the steering box, but its unlikely to be that I would have thought.

Does it go away with steering lock on? Is it only over bumpy roads? Could easily be drop links or top mounts. Sway bar bushes.

Al those are easy to check and get to / replace.

[bmwcsl]

It is fine on smoother bumps but say a cobbled street - you hear it as much as feel it - i think the strut tops or shocks themselves may be the culprit. Going to try and book it in this week. Thanks all

[Cactussed]

Sounds a bit like strut tops. Had this in my E36.
you could try popping into Wheels in Motion in Chesham and asking them to take a look.

I've not been but heard good things.

[bmwcsl]

Tried Welwyn,

phoned them and they said pop down so i did (30 min drive) and they decided its busy so i would have to wait until all MOTs were done. Not too happy i left.

Wheels in Motion are great guys - I think i need a place with the suspension shaker though to diagnose as people have had it on ramps and can find nothing.

Perhaps ill just change the strut tops anyway as they are original.

Thanks

[Cactussed]

Actually, now I recall, when the strut tops went, it drove fine and was quiet on smooth roads but cobbles made it rattle like nothng else.