Suspension refresh before and after?

Suspension refresh before and after?

Author
Discussion

james_gt3rs

Original Poster:

4,816 posts

190 months

Monday 15th January 2018
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Anyone changed the bushes, balljoints etc, but not the dampers? What did it improve the most, ride, noise, handling?

giveitfish

4,030 posts

213 months

Wednesday 24th January 2018
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I did, on my S1. Powder-coated wishbones, new OEM-spec bushes and a full fast-road alignment at Phoenix Motorsports.

Suspension was quieter after, but hardly silent. I think the biggest difference before and after was actually down to having a good geo setup applied as much as having the new bushes. The balance in corners with the current geo is just superb.

To be fair mine felt pretty good beforehand. It was worthwhile getting it done for me (peace of mind, corrosion protection etc) but not a night and day difference.

For reference mine is still on original springs and the much maligned Koni dampers.

james_gt3rs

Original Poster:

4,816 posts

190 months

Friday 26th January 2018
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OK thanks. My VX220 is on 100k miles with original bushes and balljoints, but feels tight on smooth roads, makes a lot of noise over bumps though. As people tend to replace the dampers at the same time it had me wondering if that accounts for most of the difference.

giveitfish

4,030 posts

213 months

Friday 26th January 2018
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At the time mine was about 13 years old and 57k miles with original ball joints and bushes.

I have a friend with a VX220 who thought my suspension was quieter than his after it was done, but to me it's hard to tell over the other rattles and squeaks!

Mister K

114 posts

234 months

Saturday 3rd March 2018
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Just had similar done at phoenix, fantastic job.

Suspension now lovely & quiet looks the part too. Got the wheels refurbished also in dark matt bronze.

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|https://thumbsnap.com/V1SSgOOL[/url]

james_gt3rs

Original Poster:

4,816 posts

190 months

Monday 12th March 2018
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Well, had the bushes done on my car. Made a huge difference, much less 'fight' through the wheel over bumps, less tramlining. Have some play in a couple of ball joints to sort next, but I'd say bushes much more important to replace generally.