S Type R suspension refresh
Discussion
I want to overhaul the suspension on my car, everything from bushes to shocks and springs, front and rear.
Has anyone done this or had it done? I'd be interested in recommendations for suppliers or dealers (south east of England) as well as some insights into the less obvious items I'll be replacing.
Has anyone done this or had it done? I'd be interested in recommendations for suppliers or dealers (south east of England) as well as some insights into the less obvious items I'll be replacing.
Edited by oscarwilde on Tuesday 1st July 21:31
The Leaper said:
Recently I had a quote from a JMD for replacement of the wearing parts of the suspension of my S-Type 4.2 V8. The parts were mainly worn gaiters, control arms and bushes. If done it required a geometry set up. Quote was around £2,500.
R.
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Thanks. That sounds steep if it didn't include the shocks, fair if it did. I'd like to know a sensible order to do things piecemeal as well because Sod's Law dictates if I do it all in one go the engine will immediately self-destruct!R.
.
I've done everything on my S-Type 3.0. Everything is identical except for the CATS dampers whereas mine are passive, and I didn't change the springs.
Are you going to do this yourself or pay to have it done?
I'd start with rear control arm bushes and anti-roll bar links, followed by the rear toe-links. I'd then move to the front which appears to get an easier life than the rear. I'd then get a geometry set up. I probably wouldn't bother with springs on yours either but would then replace the dampers.
Are you going to do this yourself or pay to have it done?
I'd start with rear control arm bushes and anti-roll bar links, followed by the rear toe-links. I'd then move to the front which appears to get an easier life than the rear. I'd then get a geometry set up. I probably wouldn't bother with springs on yours either but would then replace the dampers.
Edited by jamieduff1981 on Wednesday 2nd July 09:27
jamieduff1981 said:
I've done everything on my S-Type 3.0. Everything is identical except for the CATS dampers whereas mine are passive, and I didn't change the springs.
Are you going to do this yourself or pay to have it done?
I'd start with rear control arm bushes and anti-roll bar links, followed by the rear toe-links. I'd then move to the front which appears to get an easier life than the rear. I'd then get a geometry set up. I probably wouldn't bother with springs on yours either but would then replace the dampers.
Hi Jamie. That's helpful. In answer to your question it will be a combination. I'm long past squeezing under a couple of tonnes of car getting into a lather when the job can be done on a ramp by a pro in a fraction of the time. On the other hand, some jobs are easy (drop links, etc) so I would definitely do those.Are you going to do this yourself or pay to have it done?
I'd start with rear control arm bushes and anti-roll bar links, followed by the rear toe-links. I'd then move to the front which appears to get an easier life than the rear. I'd then get a geometry set up. I probably wouldn't bother with springs on yours either but would then replace the dampers.
Edited by jamieduff1981 on Wednesday 2nd July 09:27
I think you're right about the rear end getting a harder time but I do need to do the front. Springs were on my mental list to do just because they are cheap.
One question. Are you sure all the components are identical (other than shocks)? I would have expected things like anti-roll bars to be thicker on the R, hence different mounting bushes, shorter springs, etc.
The anti roll bar bushes may be different but I'm confident the links are the same. Springs may be shorter and stiffer but it doesn't change the work.
The real expense will be your CATS dampers and the control arm bushes, which are all the same. You'll be aware that dealer over-the-counter prices for control arms, particularly the rear lowers can be staggering and this is the price that gets bandied about. They can be had for under £250 ready to fit from dealer eBay outlets (genuine OE stuff) and if you feel so inclined, the bushes are all available individually for circa £30 each (there are 3 on each rear lower control arm by way of example). The option of replacing bushes becomes more attractive if you have a £150 eBay hydraulic press but if paying for garage labour then you'd probably be cheaper buying complete arms at online prices to avoid the faff. I'd need to check up on my source of individual bushes as it was mid-last year when I did it.
The real expense will be your CATS dampers and the control arm bushes, which are all the same. You'll be aware that dealer over-the-counter prices for control arms, particularly the rear lowers can be staggering and this is the price that gets bandied about. They can be had for under £250 ready to fit from dealer eBay outlets (genuine OE stuff) and if you feel so inclined, the bushes are all available individually for circa £30 each (there are 3 on each rear lower control arm by way of example). The option of replacing bushes becomes more attractive if you have a £150 eBay hydraulic press but if paying for garage labour then you'd probably be cheaper buying complete arms at online prices to avoid the faff. I'd need to check up on my source of individual bushes as it was mid-last year when I did it.
I am Trevor from Penge .You do not need to buy complete control arms, e.g. Rear lower/upper wishbone arms,we just buy the bushes separately and fit as necessary,same with the front bushes and ball joints. If you need to have a chat,all our details are on the web site.... www.jagspares.net
Incidently - I had to change the rear uppers because the balljoints had failed, not the bushes. The rear uppers are not that expensive so I'd probably still go with complete arms to avoid the hassle. Well, that's what I did do infact. I wouldn't bother replacing the rear upper wishbone bushes and retaining the old balljoints. That's a false economy IMHO.
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