Found Pair of front top mounts and bump stops

[mrscalex]

Should be the same across all Z3s. Hoping someone has a decent second-hand set.

A pair of Lemforder mounts are 'only' £50 and bump stops are about £15 each from a main dealer. But that's another £80 gone for my 2.2 suspension rebuild project and the budget just doesn't permit it.

Alternatively if anyone has any cheaper tried and trusted sources please let me know. The mounts don't have to be Lemforder and the bump stops don't have to be OEM. But there is a lot of junk out there and nothing in the way of pattern bump stops I've found.

Thanks!

 

[Lee]

Get the top mounts from GSF they're around £15-20 each then use the existing bump stops, they should be ok.

 

[mrscalex]

Get the top mounts from GSF they're around £15-20 each then use the existing bump stops, they should be ok.

The budget ones GSF sell are Vetech. So have you used these and you're happy with them?

My bump stops are pretty much split through mind you.

 

[Lee]

The budget ones GSF sell are Vetech. So have you used these and you're happy with them?

My bump stops are pretty much split through mind you.

For what your going to use the car for Vtech are fine. I have used them on many Z3's and Z4's. If its a track toy then you might need something stronger.

Lee

 

[mrscalex]

For what your going to use the car for Vtech are fine. I have used them on many Z3's and Z4's. If its a track toy then you might need something stronger.

Lee

Perfect. Thanks.

 

[mrscalex]

@Lee I have my top mounts now. The ball races look a bit dry and there is some rubber debris in there. Should I give the race a clean out with some solvent then grease it?

Also, I have my replacement struts. Bentley says if laid flat stand on end and fully extend for 24 hours. Is that necessary?

Thanks.

 

[t-tony]

Brake cleaner is a good bearing cleaner but make sure it's bone dry before rubbing new clean grease into the bearing till you can't get any more in.
Re the shockers I would just push them fully in and pull to full extent 2 or 3 times to circulate the oil through the valves.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Nice one. Cheers.

 

[mrscalex]

Well that didn't go according to plan. I have a decent set of (3) coil spring compressors and they worked a treat taking the spring out.

Putting it back together is a different story. I have the spring well compressed and I'm getting scared to do it any more. The issue is clearly that you can only compress the centre of the spring and there's too much left on the top and bottom. Is there a way round this? Is it safe to clamp the bottom spring pad? Does it look like the rod is out as far as it could be - it won't move up any more.

 

[Lee]

We had the same issue because you can only access the springs in the middle and the others are in the cup you actually cant compress it enough, these springs are so long. We bought a hydraulic spring compressor to make it easier.

The only way round it using those clamps is having one person leaning on it and the other doing the nut up.

 

[mrscalex]

Well I'm glad in the sense I'm not being a numpty but not so good as I'm wondering how I complete the job. I'm not going to risk a second person compressing it.

I guess the options therefore are a) get a local garage to do it b) buy a hydraulic spring compressor - I know the one you have and I assume you are happy with it c) rent a hydraulic spring compressor - sadly no hire company does them round here.

It seems many people don't have a problem putting springs back. But I would think that's because they are only taking it apart in the first place to put lowered springs on which by implication are easier to get back. Me, I'm mr as it left the factory so I'll have to wrestle with the long springs

I might well buy my own hydraulic compressor and perhaps recoup some money by offering it out on rent on here for a few quid. Perhaps that would be useful to others.

I'm just kicking myself for spending £35 on manual clamps. That money is a decent step towards the £130 for the hydraulic compressor.

 

[Lee]

I found my local garages useless and very unhelpful which is why we bought one. I'm just by Reading on the M4 your more than welcome pop down and make use of my kit.

Lee

 

[mrscalex]

I may well take you up on that Lee, I'm obviously not too far down the road - thank you.

However I'm pretty tight for time currently and will have to weigh up an evening/morning/afternoon spent coming to see you against biting the bullet and buying my own. I'm only in Swindon half of the week and usually running around like a prize turkey trying to fit everything in

 

[mrscalex]

@Lee Have you done standard struts and springs with this beast? I keep on reading reviews for this type of compressor where people are complaining of the lower seat pad being at an angle and the machine not coping.

I think I'm going to invest in my own as I have at least 1 other job requiring it on the horizon. And there will be others in the future. I just want to make sure it's going to be the right tool.

In short have you found it easy to use with no issues, in particular for stock items.

 

[t-tony]

Hi Rob, we have a Sealey compressor at work. I will get you the model number tomorrow, when I changed my Z4 springs I had to clamp under the lower cup on the strut and one of the lads did on a 63 plate 5 series a couple of weeks ago.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

@Lee Have you done standard struts and springs with this beast?

We've done pretty much every Z3 spring type on it so far, and with a bit of manoeuvring had no issues. It's important to make sure you get everything lined up or you get in to a mess. But, once you get the swing of it then it's fine.

 

[t-tony]

One more thing to say is, DON'T take chances! I had a spring in my face in 1994 and I really don't recommend it. It hurts!

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Thanks chaps. I've seen your previous accounts of your accident Tony and it was because of that I bought a 3 spring compressor set not 2 and that I stopped compressing the springs in case I went too far in an attempt to get the nut to fit. Your experience is why I'm now looking at investing in a proper compressor.

That said I could really do with not spending another £130 on tools, I'd rather have my own engine crane which is doable for that sort of money. So I'm going to contact Lee in case we can find a time in the next few days to use his machine.

I'd be interested to see what the Sealey model is Tony. The RE231 is around for £180 at the moment when the (genuine) retail is double that. But I can't really justify even £180 that if the Clarke can do the job for £130 (. That's if I get one at all. If I get the Clarke I'm hoping I can get it for around £110 from a local place in Swansea if I pick it up.

 

[t-tony]

SEALEY. RE231 - v2 1500KG.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Thanks Tony. That's the one I saw for £180, normal RRP about double that.