Spring overhaul

[Alin S]

And... it started. I have no idea what I am doing but I am certainly enjoying it. The overhaul includes new standard suspension all round, front and rear braces, rust treatment for the sills and new sill covers plus a general clean-up underneath.

Never done this before so it involves a lot of trial and error. Took the front suspension off ( started with the most difficult bits) and discovered that I can't actually put it back together and in the process really scratched the new spring with the spring compressors (so repainted it). The old dampers and springs were not too bad but the corrosion of the springs was an advisory on the last MOT.

Cleaned up one of the front wheel arches. You don't realise how much stuff was on there until you see the other side.

Next: Get a garage to put the front suspension back for me , waxoyl on wheel arches, treat the sills, repaint and protect, get the sill covers painted ...

I really miss not being able to use the car but hoping it will be a lot nicer to drive when finished and ready for another 10 years of zedding underneath.

 

[andyglym]

Well worth the effort for longevity

 

[Bozzy]

Don't be put off by making a few mistakes, after all sometimes that's the best way to learn. At least you're willing to get stuck in and have a go .
Everything you're doing is well worth the effort as the improvements will be felt when it's being driven.
Plenty of good advice on here when needed .

Steve.

 

[Shelly]

Great work your doing
It will be worth it in the end

 

[Redline]

Don’t give up on trying. There some very experienced Z3 owners down your way. Am sure they will give you some helpful advice.

 

[Antm72]

Will be worth the effort when done the work your doing will transform the car and mistakes are fine they are part of the learning process

 

[NZ00Z3]

Changing the springs on the struts beat me too after 2 hours of trying. I ended up taking them to a local tyre shop that also did shock replacements. They had the right gear and 10 minutes later, for less than the cost of a set of spring compressor, the job was done.

 

[Alin S]

This morning managed to put the front suspension back together . Also fitted the front brace.

Gave the garage a bit of a clean as it was a mess, then started preparing the rear brace. Next : repeat the whole process for the rear suspension and order drill and wire brushes for repairing the sills. Plus paint calipers satin black.

Btw, would it be worth trying to sell the old suspension bits and the sill sill covers ? Or straight in the bin ?

 

[t-tony]

This morning managed to put the front suspension back together . Also fitted the front brace.

Gave the garage a bit of a clean as it was a mess, then started preparing the rear brace. Next : repeat the whole process for the rear suspension and order drill and wire brushes for repairing the sills. Plus paint calipers satin black.

Btw, would it be worth trying to sell the old suspension bits and the sill sill covers ? Or straight in the bin ?

View attachment 74872 View attachment 74873 View attachment 74874 View attachment 74875

Without seeing them Alin it's hard to say. Maybe ask yourself the question, "Would I fit these?" and then make a decision.

Tony.

 

[roadvoyager1]

A bit late but whilst you have the struts and shocks out consider replacing the top mounts. Then you should be set for a long time.

 

[Alin S]

I just repainted the old top mounts as the bearings were not in too bad a shape. Hopefully this wasn't a mistake.

I took the car out for a short drive and the front end feels a lot tighter with much less scuttle shake.

I think I would just bin the old parts as the hassle of selling them would probably outweight the benefits. Drill and wire brushes now arrived. Starting again this weekend.

What do you guys think of this, but in satin black? My engine bay looks a bit sad at the moment.

 

[t-tony]

That looks very nice Alin. A nice touch in any colour, I quite like that blue.

Tony.

 

[Jjim]

Nice work on the suspension

I’m with @t-tony I like the blue engine cover.

 

[Alin S]

Gave the wire brushes a try. Is this clean metal or just really shiny rust ?

 

[Jjim]

Looks like it needs more taken off to me.

 

[Alin S]

Often the smallest things are the most satisfying . Bumper clips replaced before and after

New sill covers arrived from the body shop

And started doing the inner sills . Hopefully everything will come back together before May

 

[Alin S]

Drivable condition . Didn't realise how much I missed it until today ...