Hey fellas

I need some advice on my front suspension

I have recently fitted the Re-speed engine bay strut bar to my 1985 series 3 FB

I had some steering issues so i took it to my mechanic to get the steering seen to, He calls me and says both my front shock absorbers were totally gone!

So i got him to replace them with brand new KYB shocks. The steering was ok for about 100kms but then i could hear and feelknocking coming from the front suspension again and the steering got bad again and also it ducks and weaves under braking?

I have lowered king springs on the front and rear. and also have low profile tyres.

I fear i have blown two brand new shock absorbers? would my having lowered springs and an engine bay strut bar be killing my shock absorbers?

Cheers

 

The springs could be killing the shocks if they are a high spring rate. But I would take some time to look over all of the steering parts. Especially the idler arm and tie rod ends, which are the most likely culprits...



.

 

Couldnt be those as ive replaced the entire steering with brand new components. New inner and outer tire rod ends, new idler arm bushing, new pitman arm. lower ball joints and had them professionally put in.

So the only thing i can think of is the high spring rate lowered springs?

 

Yeah, you might want to try Tokico Blues, or if you want the adjustables then go with Illuminas. They can take the higher spring rates...

But to tell you the truth, "bucking and weaving under braking" sounds like sloppy steering parts. How much play do you have in the steering wheel?

 

Springs that are too low will kill shocks/struts, high spring rates rarely do. When your mechanic installed the new struts, did he also install the rubber bump stops on the shafts? King springs are the lowest springs made for 7s, without the bump stops, that my be causing to much shaft travel, blowing out the struts.

 

Also put some oil down the tube housing, it should help dissipate the heat and save the shocks.

 

Just be forewarned, i would put a little bit down first, then insert the shock then fill it up from the side with the shock in the tube. Otherwise you will sit there waiting while it overflows and the shock sinks down. Did that, wasted oil, made a huge mess.

 

Lol... I did that too, don't put too much

 

Yeah the kings springs are low alright.

If it is the Kings springs causing the trouble what would my options be?

Are there front shocks out there that could handle them?

 

Afaik, the KYBs, and both types of Tokicos all have the same shaft length. If you do decide to try another set, go for the Tokico Illuminas. They're pricey but are adjustable. Check and see if that bumper is installed. Only other option, if the bumpers are installed, is go with a taller lowering spring. But that makes little sense since many have used the King springs for years with no problems. The oil is a good call too, only takes about an ounce to fill the strut tube.

Racing Beat used to sell strut tower extensions. They allowed for greater lowering yet added more strut travel. Since they no longer sell them, you could cut the strut tower stops from a junk 7 and have them welded on yours. You should only need to add 1-2" to the tower height.

 

Yeah sounds pretty drastic to start chopping into the strut tower, but im going to contact king springs and see what they can suggest.

I used KYBs and they only lasted 70kms so yeah i may have to try something adjustable.

Ill keep the forum informed of the outcome but thanks for the advice guys.

Cheers Matt

 

For some reason, I seriously suspect the bump stops aren't installed, that's the only explanation that fits for struts failing so quickly. Another possibility is that the KYBs are very old stock.

 

Yeah well ill find out tomorrow as its going back in.

Ive had the steering done twice and all along it seems it was the suspension.

 

Hi guys just getting back to you all with the outcome of my suspension issues.

Took the car back and my mechanic found that one of the front struts was loose. (id do it myself but i just dont have the time)

Where the strut meets the steering knuckle there are two washers. One of those washers had snapped in half from the previous shocks failure and subsequent vibration and age.

This one missing washer ruined the whole suspension and steering effectiveness.

Got him to replace them all, now the steering is fine and the KYB shock cartriges are ok too.

So yeah, hope this may help other Newbs in trouble shooting steering/suspension issues similar to mine.

 

Wow, good info. I never would have thought of that myself...