Standards for refreshing suspension

[SkiFree]

shop manual covers CV joint inspection and repacking .... I don't understand people are not using this as the first go-to for repairs.

A quick google search will also yield plenty of information.

[z6ne]

thanks guys.

I just bought a new e30, and PO says that a CV axle is bad. Anyone have a DIY thread on how to repair this, and an estimate of the cost? Should I go ahead and replace both if I'm doing one?

[Earendil]

That depends entirely on what shape they're in. They are likely okay but if they are shot it can cause all sorts of fun issues.

True. My suggestion was only to leave those out if something needed to be left out. Failed rear shock mounts can cause interesting problems too ;)

[Wh33lhop]

Oh note though, if you're strapped for time or money, and your car has under 200K, you're probably fine to leave the Subframe bushings alone for now. Same goes for the rear diff, unless there is obvious cracking in the rubber. Both of those are in the little benefit for pita work category of parts.

That depends entirely on what shape they're in. They are likely okay but if they are shot it can cause all sorts of fun issues.

[Earendil]

EDIT: Slow typing version:

Plus-
Strut mounts/bearings

rear trailing arm bushes
rear subframe bushes
diff mount bush
rear shock mounts
This assumes your wheel bearings are good

Oh note though, if you're strapped for time or money, and your car has under 200K, you're probably fine to leave the Subframe bushings alone for now. Same goes for the rear diff, unless there is obvious cracking in the rubber. Both of those are in the little benefit for pita work category of parts.

Everything else mentioned should be done at the same time as the shocks, as they are highly related pieces, are easy to do at the same time, and provide good benefit.

[SmokeE30]

what?

you mean it's cheaper to just buy a whole new arm?

An OEM arm will cost like 100$ where as some mooge ball joints will run you around 30. Just need a friend with a shop to press them in for you, so add the cost of a 6 pack to that.

[efficient]

cost 66 dollars new for a new a arm on bma.

[z6ne]

Where I live, major city, it does not worth the hustle, unless you have a connection of some sort.

what?

you mean it's cheaper to just buy a whole new arm?

[mr ilia]

at a machine shop I assume? How much does this cost?

Where I live, major city, it does not worth the hustle, unless you have a connection of some sort.

[z6ne]

You can just replace the ball joints in the control arms instead of the whole thing, and use m3 control arm bushings.

at a machine shop I assume? How much does this cost?

[SmokeE30]

You can just replace the ball joints in the control arms instead of the whole thing, and use m3 control arm bushings.

[z6ne]

It's the internet, i don't even assume everyone is human here.

wisdom.


thanks fellas. Starting to make a list and get prices together.

[LJ851]

Hopefully no one is replacing their shocks/struts without these being part of the job...

It's the internet, i don't even assume everyone is human here.

[agent]

Strut mounts/bearings
rear shock mounts

Hopefully no one is replacing their shocks/struts without these being part of the job...

[LJ851]

If one were to replace many of the main OEM suspension wear parts, what would he be replacing, to get a factory smooth ride?

-Control arms
-Control arm bushings
-Tie rods inner/outer
-sway bar end links
-sway bar bushings
-springs
-shocks


What am I missing?

Also, as far as the rear suspension goes, will I be okay with just doing shocks/springs?

EDIT: Slow typing version:

Plus-
Strut mounts/bearings

rear trailing arm bushes
rear subframe bushes
diff mount bush
rear shock mounts


This assumes your wheel bearings are good