Suspension - too tight??

[Tim S]

Hi all

For the first time on the car, I changed some suspension bushes last weekend - just the NSF to start with, more to follow. Got it all back together with nuts tightened to recommended torque and before the damper was reconnected the wishbones 'hung' in a middle position, rather than falling under gravity. The ride is probably firmer than it had been.

It was a struggle to get the camber shims back in (much hammering required) and I'm wondering if something's too tight. Does that sound likely, or are these symptoms normal on rebuild??

Thought appreciated!

Cheers

Tim

[woody]

Hi all

For the first time on the car, I changed some suspension bushes last weekend - just the NSF to start with, more to follow. Got it all back together with nuts tightened to recommended torque and before the damper was reconnected the wishbones 'hung' in a middle position, rather than falling under gravity. The ride is probably firmer than it had been.

It was a struggle to get the camber shims back in (much hammering required) and I'm wondering if something's too tight. Does that sound likely, or are these symptoms normal on rebuild??

Thought appreciated!

Cheers

Tim

Did you fit OEM or OEM type bushes?

When torquing the bolts did you ensure the suspension angle reflected the suspension angle at the standard ride height? I.e. When torquing a wishbone I measure the top of the wheel arch to the centre of the wheel before making any changes. When torquing the bolts after re-fitting a whishbone (or rubber bushed damper) I jack the suspension up so that the centre of the hub is the same distance from the top of the wheel arch.

[Tim S]

Hi Woody

Yes, OEM bushes.

And I did lift the suspension before tightening (albeit to only a guess at the ride height) - and that's the level it's hanging at.

Cheers

Tim

[roadboy]

That's exactly as it should be with OEM bushes Tim.

Only poly bushes or spherical bearings will be free.

Dan

[Tim S]

OK great - thanks Dan.

Cheers

Tim