Replacing suspension bushes and shocks/springs?

[A900ss]

I have done a google search but I'm not coming up with much.

Is there a 'How to' guide for replacing suspension bushes and shocks/springs?

I'm debating if this is a weekend job or something that will be (another) winter job.

Thanks.

[jamienshelly]

Hi, Depending on your abilities and availability of tools its not very hard (providing all the suspension bolts come undone).I think that there is a good write up in the bible with tips for removing old bushes. It is easier to fit poly bushes over the standard bushes as they don't require pressing in.
Hope this helps and good luck

[Russell Mc]

If you're going to blast and paint all the suspension arms then its not going to happen over a weekend.
Just doing the bushes it's probably doable so long as you can get the old ones out with minimal fuss

[jojackson4]

Get spraying with some creap oil NOW if you are doing this weekend

[K4TRV]

Russell Mc said:

If you're going to blast and paint all the suspension arms then its not going to happen over a weekend.
Just doing the bushes it's probably doable so long as you can get the old ones out with minimal fuss

^^+1^^ Even if you do a corner each weekend, which is really optomistic, the car isn't really driveable during the week??

Best research and weigh up the options - It aint no weekend job!!

Finally, when its all nice and new and shiney, your geometry will be all askew - so an "expert will need to re-set it??

Your TVR Independant (Neil) near you at Kemble could be a cheaper option, in the long term, with lots of experience??

Trev

[A900ss]

K4TRV said:

Finally, when its all nice and new and shiney, your geometry will be all askew - so an "expert will need to re-set it??

Your TVR Independant (Neil) near you at Kemble could be a cheaper option, in the long term, with lots of experience??

Trev

I'd defo get Neil to do the geo once done but I've spent so much cash at Neil's recently, I just want to get my own hands dirty rather than throwing some cash at it.

I think it will be a winter job though and also get the wishbones blasted as well.

Thanks all.

[ewan221]

I got mine done last year by TVR Ecosse - not cheap so well worth doing your self

[phazed]

I did mine over the Christmas holidays a few years ago.

It took a lot longer then I ever anticipated! Refitting all the shinny new bits with new swivels and bearings seemed to take a full 1/2 day per corner.

[Aussie John]

Some good clips on utube of how to by big500 ala Quinny.

[quattrophenia]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I did this job a few years ago and trust me you will change everything that is accessible whilst your at it.
See above.

[A900ss]

Ok, I've been thinking about this and new shocks, bushes, blasting and painting the wishbones won't happen this summer, it will have to be a winter project due to the time the car will need to be off the road.

So...

If I choose to just replace the shocks/springs (as they are original and 16 years old) is it as simplistic as a bolt at the top, a bolt at the bottom and out drops the old shock. Then reverse with the new shock in its place. As the suspension hasn't been undone I'm hopeful that the geo would still be correct.

I'm guessing there is more to it than that, there always is but is worth asking the question.

This gives me the option of new shocks now and bushes etc as a winter job.

Or is doing half a job just stupid and I should wait until I'm prepared to take the car off the road and do the complete job in one go?

[blaze_away]

It is a very simple job (In theory) if the bolts undo and slide out as expected. Top and bottom shocker bolts out, remove old shock, put in new shock and top and bottom bolts and jobs done. If they don't it can turn into an absolute nightmare.

See my old thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Hoofa]

Just fit the standard bushes, dont bother with other ones. I fitted powerflex and bushes were worn with 2 years. Refitted standard bushes. Cheaper and last longer

[Russell Mc]

Seeing as they have a lifetime warranty you could of replaced them for free

[A900ss]

I thought one of the selling points of the polybushes is that they don't wear....

[jamienshelly]

The beauty of poly bushes is they are very resistant to compression and deformation, so the suspension is much more direct and feel somewhat firmer. If the parts they fit to have slight wear and the bush is allowed to chatter then they will wear as will any bush. The poly bush should not be loose but not to tight that you have to press them in.
If you have no intention of ever using it on the track or driving fast on the road then you will better off using OE bushes as the suspension may be to hard, if you like a bit of speed and handling then there is no comparison, I have experienced the differences (although not on a chim) and they are chalk and cheese giving so much more confidence and a complete feeling of what is happening at the wheels.

[phazed]

Have had mine on for about 5 years and 30K miles.

[jamienshelly]

phazed said:

Have had mine on for about 5 years and 30K miles.

And if I am not mistaken, that includes a fair few track days aswell.

[phazed]

jamienshelly said:

phazed said:

Have had mine on for about 5 years and 30K miles.

And if I am not mistaken, that includes a fair few track days aswell.

[EggsBenedict]

This is a real 'while i'm doing that....' job.

Once you've got the car stripped enough to do what you want to do, there'll be loads of other stuff you'll notice about the suspension/brake components that 'needs' doing.

I blogged what I did (not massive detail on bushes etc - there are other blogs/how-to's you'll find if you google, including some on youTube). It starts here: http://eggs-benedict-relle.blogspot.co.uk/2011_02_... Remember that the entries are most recent at the top, so when you go to the next archive, if you want to see what I did next, scroll to the bottom.