Question about Installing New Shocks/Springs

[llll1l1ll]

Planning on investing in some new springs and shocks here soon.

Anyway, when I replace the shocks in the front, do I have to replace the strut as well, or is that part of the shock itself?

Also, is there anything else that should be replaced at the same time as I do these springs and shocks? They will most likely be H&R Sports and Bilstein Sports.

Will I have to detach my control arms to do this? THIS IS MY LAST CONTROL ARM QUESTION I PROMISE

Sorry about the stupid questions -- I just wanna keep my car tidy!

Best,

Pete


PS If there is a write-up, gimme dat link!

[jlevie]

You'll probably need to replace the upper shock/strut mounts and may need new spring pads. On the fronts you'll need to separate the outer control arm ball joint and tie rod end so that you can get the strut out where you can work on it. The front shocks are inserts that go into the strut. You will need spring compressors to do this job.

[llll1l1ll]

Ok, thanks!

I guess it would be wise to replace the control arms during this process? I've heard so many different things about taking ball joints out and I don't even know where to begin.

[jlevie]

If the ball joints in the control arms are okay and their boots aren't torn, there is no need to replace the control arms when doing springs and shocks. If you use a ball joint press to separate the control arm and tie rod from the strut, you won't damage the boot. The test for wear in a ball joint is (with the front of the car in the air) to pry on the joint and squeeze it with a large (as in 24") pair of channel locks. Any movement whatsoever in the ball joint is cause for replacement.

[llll1l1ll]

I don't understand.

Like, literally grab it by the boot area and give it a good squeezin'? That sounds like it would damage it.

If you mean, though, to pry and squeeze like to pry it off of its area, then maybe I could give that a shot.

This is going to be a month or so down the road so I'm trying to gather what I need now (or at least know what I need) so that way when it comes time I will have everything.


With that in mind, what about struts? When would I need to replace those? Aren't those mainly just the housing in which the shock sits?

[HarryPotter]

I don't understand.

Like, literally grab it by the boot area and give it a good squeezin'? That sounds like it would damage it.

If you mean, though, to pry and squeeze like to pry it off of its area, then maybe I could give that a shot.

This is going to be a month or so down the road so I'm trying to gather what I need now (or at least know what I need) so that way when it comes time I will have everything.


With that in mind, what about struts? When would I need to replace those? Aren't those mainly just the housing in which the shock sits?

That would be the strut housing. Struts just a fancy word for the front shocks. Just replace the four shocks on the car and throw the new springs on there. Maybe do the control arm bushings while you've got the strut housing off.

And new rear shock mounts would be a good idea.

[z31maniac]

That would be the strut housing. Struts just a fancy word for the front shocks. Just replace the four shocks on the car and throw the new springs on there. Maybe do the control arm bushings while you've got the strut housing off.

And new rear shock mounts would be a good idea.

Strut assemblies support the weight of the vehicle.

Shocks do not.

[HarryPotter]

Strut assemblies support the weight of the vehicle.

Shocks do not.

Wouldn't the strut assembly include the strut housing along with all of its components?

[JGood]

Wouldn't the strut assembly include the strut housing along with all of its components?

The strut assembly would include the strut housing and the strut insert. On an e30, when you install Bilstein Sports for example, you have 2 rear shocks, and 2 front strut inserts. It's just a difference of terminology. A strut insert serves the same purpose as a shock, it is just designed to be contained within a strut housing. Many people, including some suppliers, just refer to them as shocks.

[llll1l1ll]

That's what I thought. See, I was worried I'd have to replace the entire strut housing, which costs as much as the suspension setup - per strut!

I reckon I could just get away with springs and shocks all the way around. Also, shock mounts for the back.

Any specific kind of shock mounts for the back, though? I read somewhere I should get E46 style ones.

[JGood]

That's what I thought. See, I was worried I'd have to replace the entire strut housing, which costs as much as the suspension setup - per strut!

I reckon I could just get away with springs and shocks all the way around. Also, shock mounts for the back.

Any specific kind of shock mounts for the back, though? I read somewhere I should get E46 style ones.

Yes, you'll keep your strut housings, no reason to replace them. For rear mounts, I'd recommend Meyle Heavy Duty mounts. They are cheap and seem to hold up well.

While you have your front struts apart, I'd recommend replacement upper strut mounts or maybe even camber plates if you want adjustable camber.

[Wh33lhop]

Yes, you'll keep your strut housings, no reason to replace them. For rear mounts, I'd recommend Meyle Heavy Duty mounts. They are cheap and seem to hold up well.

I got Meyle HD rear mounts for $5 a pop. So far they've held up, we'll see if they will with what I've got planned. Definite thumbs up for the price though.

While you have your front struts apart, I'd recommend replacement upper strut mounts or maybe even camber plates if you want adjustable camber.

+1, I'd do camber plates.

[JGood]

I got Meyle HD rear mounts for $5 a pop. So far they've held up, we'll see if they will with what I've got planned. Definite thumbs up for the price though.

Well, that's not the normal going price.

I've had them on my track car for about 15 track days with Bilstein Sports/H&R Race. So far so good. For the price, I'll get them again, even if they failed right now.

[Wh33lhop]

Well, that's not the normal going price.

I've had them on my track car for about 15 track days with Bilstein Sports/H&R Race. So far so good. For the price, I'll get them again, even if they failed right now.

I got them through IMC, it might have been more like $7-8 apiece but pretty sure it was around there. If you want an extra set I can probably get you one. ;)

[llll1l1ll]

Yes, you'll keep your strut housings, no reason to replace them. For rear mounts, I'd recommend Meyle Heavy Duty mounts. They are cheap and seem to hold up well.

While you have your front struts apart, I'd recommend replacement upper strut mounts or maybe even camber plates if you want adjustable camber.

I'll probably go with the strut mounts, but I'm not sure about the camber as I do not plan on getting all serious business with this car. I just want something a little more firm and taut (did I spell that right?).