Worn dampers or something else?

[ratty6464]

Hi,

Can anyone shed some light on how to tell if dampers are worn and need replacing. I've got a Z4 on 46K miles, and it seems when breaking over rough roads or when driving over manhole covers the front wheels lose contact with the road and seem to bounce (more than usual). Is it likely to be the dampers?

Also whilst driving around roundabouts, the front end seems to understeer around the mid/end point of the corner. Could this be related?

Comments appreciated. Car is due a service in about 2k miles but i'd like to get this sorted beforehand at an indie rather than get stung at a stealer.

[Jimmytno1]

A simple bounce test on each corner should tell you if the shocks are worn, the car should come to rest after 1.5 bounces if you see what I mean? Also check for fluid leaks around the shocks. The symptoms you describe though sound similar to what I had on an E46 320, I replaced the front suspension arms as the back bush on each arm had completely worn out, transformed the car. Easy way to check this is to put a tourque wrench or wheel brace on one of your wheel nuts as if you were going to tighten it, (with the wheels on the ground) and if the wheel rocks back and forward those bushes are worn.

[ratty6464]

The bushes were worn, so I had power flex suspension bushes fItted on the front about a year ago. Made a massive difference, would recommend to everyone. So I don't think it's the bushes, but thanks f

[ratty6464]

The bushes were worn, so I had power flex suspension bushes fItted on the front about a year ago. Made a massive difference, would recommend to everyone. So I don't think it's the bushes, but thanks for the insight. Maybe it's the wishbones?