Replace springs/dampers in pairs?
Discussion
Following on from this thread in which it is alleged that I need a front left spring and a right rear damper, am I right in thinking (as per tyres) that it is best practice to replace them as pairs?
A doubling of parts and labour but I'd have thought the car would handle like a bucket of arse with a new spring on one side and a new damper on the other.
A doubling of parts and labour but I'd have thought the car would handle like a bucket of arse with a new spring on one side and a new damper on the other.
I've got to replace my e46's rear springs shortly, one broken, one equally old (~100K miles) but still in one piece.
When I bought the new ones the (BMW) dealer told me they recommend replacing both on cars which have done over a certain mileage (I think it was 40 or 50K miles) and not already had them replaced.
When I bought the new ones the (BMW) dealer told me they recommend replacing both on cars which have done over a certain mileage (I think it was 40 or 50K miles) and not already had them replaced.
How long do you plan on keeping the car? If you're keeping it for a few years maybe you should replace the parts in pairs because the other spring/damper won't be in much better condition so you might end up doing it anyway.
One thing you absolutely shouldn't do is think "Well since I'm replacing most of the suspension anyway, I wonder how much an upgrade kit would cost..."
One thing you absolutely shouldn't do is think "Well since I'm replacing most of the suspension anyway, I wonder how much an upgrade kit would cost..."
EDLT said:
How long do you plan on keeping the car? If you're keeping it for a few years maybe you should replace the parts in pairs because the other spring/damper won't be in much better condition so you might end up doing it anyway.
One thing you absolutely shouldn't do is think "Well since I'm replacing most of the suspension anyway, I wonder how much an upgrade kit would cost..."
The more I spend on it, the more I'm keen to keep it. I'm an enthusiast, I can't 'not' spend money on it if you know what I mean. Plus, if I'm going to do the job on it, I'll do it properly.One thing you absolutely shouldn't do is think "Well since I'm replacing most of the suspension anyway, I wonder how much an upgrade kit would cost..."
Ideally, I'd have liked to put it in storage over winter (snow/salt is very harsh on these with regards to rust potential) and get an E36 328 to smoke around in. However, the way insurance costs are going, plus introducing a whole new 'unknown variable' with potential ++costs, it may be a case of 'better the devil you know' and thus run the cab all year round.
Can be fun in the snow!
g3org3y said:
EDLT said:
How long do you plan on keeping the car? If you're keeping it for a few years maybe you should replace the parts in pairs because the other spring/damper won't be in much better condition so you might end up doing it anyway.
One thing you absolutely shouldn't do is think "Well since I'm replacing most of the suspension anyway, I wonder how much an upgrade kit would cost..."
The more I spend on it, the more I'm keen to keep it. I'm an enthusiast, I can't 'not' spend money on it if you know what I mean. Plus, if I'm going to do the job on it, I'll do it properly.One thing you absolutely shouldn't do is think "Well since I'm replacing most of the suspension anyway, I wonder how much an upgrade kit would cost..."
Ideally, I'd have liked to put it in storage over winter (snow/salt is very harsh on these with regards to rust potential) and get an E36 328 to smoke around in. However, the way insurance costs are going, plus introducing a whole new 'unknown variable' with potential ++costs, it may be a case of 'better the devil you know' and thus run the cab all year round.
Can be fun in the snow!
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/se...
d. 
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