If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

[lee5627]

Hi

I am thinking of changing my suspension. Curr driving a E46 4-dr Sedan ( bought in Feb99). I was advised by my car mechanic to change my Control Arm 2 years ago but I didnt. But if I do change my suspension ( which are suspension absorber and springs, both front and rear ), I should change the Control Arm as well rite?

May I have yr expert advices as to what other changes should I include since I am already doing the suspension and Control Arm so that it would be a "one-time installation cost" and one-time wheel alignment as well!!!!

Pls advise and thank you for yr kind attention!

 

[DreamDriver]

Control arm if nothing wrong don't change, save your money. Although Feb99 E46 should be using the older type (i.e. not as strong) ones, you can always wait until they're faulty before changing.

 

[T6]

If nothing else worn out, then dun change. A reliable mechanic who hoists up your car shd be able to advise u if there are any wear and tear parts that need to be changed.

 

[lee5627]

Hi DreamDriver

thanks for yr advice! But how do you know yr Control Arm is faulty? any indications? What I know is that when you brake hard, you can feel that there is a serious jerk in the front wheel from the steering wheel. Not sure if this is correct?

Brothers, care to comment? BTW, how much should the control arm costs? I mean the new ones that is made of aluminium.
thanks!

 

[DreamDriver]

Hi DreamDriver

thanks for yr advice! But how do you know yr Control Arm is faulty? any indications? What I know is that when you brake hard, you can feel that there is a serious jerk in the front wheel from the steering wheel. Not sure if this is correct?

Brothers, care to comment? BTW, how much should the control arm costs? I mean the new ones that is made of aluminium.
thanks!

Last time for me there was a period of a few months for things to slowly deteriorate before I had to change. Towards the end, even when I go over strips or railings at slow speed will also feel the car knocking at the front axle. Cost to replace is around $200+ inclusive of labour if done outside (for each side); $300+ if PML.

 

[lee5627]

I think mine is gone liao...just during that time, I was changing other parts as well....so got no $$$ to do the control arm.....how old is yr car when you finally change yr control arm? must be yr first time rite? actually got so used to that jerking feeling described earlier, that I dont feel anything wrong with my car at all!!!! hehehehehe.... thanks for yr responses so far!

 

[martmode8850]

change your shock mounts as well...

 

[DreamDriver]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

I think mine is gone liao...just during that time, I was changing other parts as well....so got no $$$ to do the control arm.....how old is yr car when you finally change yr control arm? must be yr first time rite? actually got so used to that jerking feeling described earlier, that I dont feel anything wrong with my car at all!!!! hehehehehe.... thanks for yr responses so far!

My car was around 3.5yrs old when I changed, but difference is mine was already the upgraded version.

 

[MRacer77]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

lee: the jerking feeling is not a good sign. you should get it checked out asap. Safety always comes first. Cheers!

 

[Arsony]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

The things you should do

1) Change control arms - not only they contribute to safety and driving pleasure but if your new suspension's gonna go in, they affect alignment and rate of wear of the suspension as well. So change it.

2)Install the suspensions of course- damper, coil and mounts.

3) Also change control arm bushes if cracked. If your control arm is bent for whatever reason, high likelihood that the bushes would go too.

4) Finally, go for weighted/loaded alignment.

Arsony
Topaz Blue NOT controlled....

 

[MRacer77]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

The things you should do

1) Change control arms - not only they contribute to safety and driving pleasure but if your new suspension's gonna go in, they affect alignment and rate of wear of the suspension as well. So change it.

2)Install the suspensions of course- damper, coil and mounts.

3) Also change control arm bushes if cracked. If your control arm is bent for whatever reason, high likelihood that the bushes would go too.

4) Finally, go for weighted/loaded alignment.

Arsony
Topaz Blue NOT controlled....

couldn't agree more. However, in addition, you might want to consider changing all your suspension bushings as well. If you want a sportier feel then you might even want to consider changing to polyurethane bushings.

 

[lee5627]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

Hi ALL

thanks for yr kind advices!
but I dont think control arm is so cheap as DreamDriver mentioned about S$200 including installation. The new aluminium control arm is at least S$300 per side so therefore to change the pair of control arms would cost you at least $600 without installation!!!! Just went to ask at Riverview Auto.

any comments from anyone?

 

[DreamDriver]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

Get a few more quotes. I don't remember that it was over $300. Then again, maybe parts prices have risen due to exchange rates. BTW I think mine was $200+ closer to $300, not just $200.

 

[Arsony]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

Beware...

Control arm is not something that you have to change both sides. The bushings yes but not the control arm as it is not a wear and tear item. Anyone telling you that you have to change both sides if you have to replace one is probably having you on.....

Arsony
Topaz Blue NOT had...

 

[DreamDriver]

Re: If changing suspension, what else to change as well?

Ash,

I agree with you that control arm don't have to change both sides, but not the fact that it is not a wear-and-tear part. In my case, I changed because the ball-joint gave way, and that was kind of "integrated" into the arm and cannot be changed separately. I would consider the joint a wear-and-tear part.