Bad handling

[Mus Musculus]

After all sorts of issues, I've had the poly bushes installed (front) — what a difference already! I am going to replace the other bushes now, and after looking at it in detail, I need to replace the front ball joints too, as well as the rear springs.

Talking about that, is corrosion in the springs that bad, or could I just strip and treat them?

 

[Woodsta888]

After all sorts of issues, I've had the poly bushes installed (front) — what a difference already! I am going to replace the other bushes now, and after looking at it in detail, I need to replace the front ball joints too, as well as the rear springs.

Talking about that, is corrosion in the springs that bad, or could I just strip and treat them?

Unless springs are snapped they 'should' still be OK. Rear springs aren't that much anyway, May as well add new shocks too if taking the springs out. Top & bottom spring pads may want changing. Top mounts?

I got some MOOG front wishbones with all new universal joints in, you can replace the joints but adding your time, they were only £50 a side for whole new wishbone. Taking those off, the ARB roll bushes are easy & cheap as are adding new drop links too depending on their age.

Just be aware that poly bushes over time may end up squeaking - thus need to remove and re grease.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Just be aware that poly bushes over time may end up squeaking

Oh my word yes. No noise from the front arm bushes, but the rear swing-arms were a different matter altogether. Much better with the rubber OE type back in.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

If poly bushes squeak, it is a sign that they need to be re-greased.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

The thought of re-greasing the eccentric swing-arm bushes on mine was too horrible, and probably quicker to drop the axle out, weld in new adjusters, and re-fit it all with OEM rubber bushes.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

Yes - I agree! I do not think that it is worth fitteng poly bushes on the trailing arm pivots, as the originals do not use thick rubber, so cannot flex much. The only thick rubber bushes are in the crossmember mounts and ther front wishbones. I have poly inserts in the narrow slots of my crossmember bushes (made fom 100 mm drain pipe!) and poly in the front wishbones - which makes a real improvement by eliminating 'bump steer' if you have 17 inch wheels and 225-45 tyres.

 

[Witchsilver]

Has anyone used this company before? Seems like much lower price

https://floflex.co.uk/product-category/bmw/z3/

 

[id101]

I used to have a square setup on 18s with pilot sport 3s, the car was outright dangerous in terms of vicious tramlining, I changed to staggered 17s with Avon zv7s night and day transformation became absolute pleasure to drive. No other elements were changed.

 

[Witchsilver]

Probably a stupid question but can you run 17inch wheels on the rear and 16" on the front?

I know some more powerful cars run different size wheels front to back, but not sure of the legal details or the safety details.

Genuinely curious on this as it looks quite good.

 

[t-tony]

As long as both wheel/tyre combos on an axle are the same, front to rear doesn't matter.

Tony.