Front suspension overhaul?

**rynaqui** · 9 March 2014, 14:26

Originally posted by Ross

I'm hoping to tighten up handling on the RS2 - would be interested to know what should on the list. I can't say I am well versed in the suspension/steering components, does anyone have a definitive list of wear items?

What I'm currently looking to do:

Shock/damper - stock rs2 springs, koni's. Fitted 40k & 8 years ago. Still good but I'm looking to replace with a KW V1/3 coil over, I want it slightly lower & firmer but still OK for light daily use

Topmounts - I have stock with Mance MSII'd to fit

Wishbone - recently replaced bushes with HD's

Steering - not sure what the wear items here are, guessing ball joints and track rod ends may be good to replace

ARB - stock RS2 fitted, intend to replace droplinks

I will also put some new (poly probably) subframe bushes on.

Current symptoms are a bit of a grinding/knocking feel on hard steering, particularly over bumps, can be felt through the wheel and more so through the pedals. There's a general vagueness and knocking at the front, typical worn top mount feel.

Shock/damper - Don't think you can go wrong with KWs and should still be ok for the UK roads

Topmounts - No idea

Wishbone - Fitted superflex, suspected previously had powerflex, if they are similar than should do the job, no squeakiness at all

Steering - Front tie-rod end bushes, can be replaced with delrin ones from Kevin (Bambridge), and the tie rod ends ofcourse

ARB - Got my RS2 drop links not too long ago from quattro corner at a very good price

Went with superflex bushes for the subframe, no comment on any changes as haven't driven yet.

What about snub mount, diff hanger/mount, gearbox and engine mounts?

**Ross** · 9 March 2014, 20:41

Originally posted by rynaqui

What about snub mount, diff hanger/mount, gearbox and engine mounts?

I have a 'Rusty' snub mount, new OEM gearbox and engine mounts just fitted.

The diff mount seems OK, not really got any drivetrain slack now.

I'll have to look into getting some Bambridge tie rod bushes, thanks.

**rynaqui** · 9 March 2014, 20:43

Originally posted by Ross

I have a 'Rusty' snub mount, new OEM gearbox and engine mounts just fitted.

The diff mount seems OK, not really got any drivetrain slack now.

I'll have to look into getting some Bambridge tie rod bushes, thanks.

How do you find that setup? Can't wait to drive mine!

Tie rod bushes are well worth it, if they are still factory they will be shot

**Ross** · 10 May 2014, 09:36

Improvement with the engine mounts + snub mount was massive

I've got bambridge tie rod adjusters and inner bushes now. I am going to get some OEM tie rod ends, will that complete the picture for steering?

Then I'm looking for poly subframe bushes, OEM drop links, and I think with that's all I need for the front end.

I'm also thinking about the rear, i have a pair of bambridge bushes which I think are the big ones at the bottom of the arm. Then I'll be needing a set of poly bushes for the upper & lower arms, rear subframe and I guess I could extend that to look for rear diff mount.

Do i need to consider any replacement OEM bolts for this stuff as well?

**rynaqui** · 10 May 2014, 09:46

Would be worth it but OEM is not necessary, had a bolt for the rear ball joint which I replaced as it lost a fair bit of thread, that and a new lock nut.

**andy10v** · 10 May 2014, 12:54

Originally posted by Ross

Do i need to consider any replacement OEM bolts for this stuff as well?

I like having them on hand, it means there is no stress to get the old ones out intact.

Also means everything should remove again next time you are in there.

Some of them are probably stretch bolts as well, so should be replaced.

You dont have to use oem, just the correct bolt and grade, oem makes that easy though, though not always on the wallet.

**macspring** · 10 May 2014, 14:14

Ross,

Tub of Copper grease for reassembly.

**LGK6D** · 11 May 2014, 10:00

Originally posted by Ross

Improvement with the engine mounts + snub mount was massive

Hi Ross,

I'm also due to do the things you've listed. The mounts/bushes in my car are original (and tired).

On and off the throttle, the gear lever moves forwards and backwards (slightly), would you say that's a tell that the engine mounts and snub are ready for a change?

I was recently talking to Jason at Lion Garage about the suspension, he did a lot of work to Ben Watkins S2 Avant. He seems to know these cars inside out, he said I should consider alloy front subframe mounts because the front end takes so much punishment. He said it really sharpens the car up. Have you thought about that?

Cheers
David

**supersonic112** · 11 May 2014, 11:31

Ross

Where did you buy your snub mount from ?

**Ross** · 11 May 2014, 18:27

I bought the snub mount from Andy Casey (aka Rusty). The 'SQ' style housing (on the crossmember) really prevents excessive movement. I also added his delrin mount that really restricts the movement to minimal but does give a little vibration when you're cornering or accelerating hard.

I used to have a lot of movement in the gearstick, that's engine & transmission 'slop'. New engine and gearbox mounts took care of most of that. I also found replacing the shifter rod and balljoint made a huge difference to feel - mine was split when I took it out.

I'm not planning to go solid on the subframe - poly is enough for me - although some folk have reported little/none extra harshness so I could be tempted. I don't mind a little extra vibration and harshness but it still needs to be capable of a comfy 2-3hr drive with the family on occasion.

**Ross** · 27 June 2014, 22:43

Now Front & Rear Suspension overhaul Thread!

So I've decided to collate all the info I'm finding/being supplied and adding some part numbers. Any advice appreciated

FRONT:

Top Mount: OEM + MSII's (sourced)
Wishbone bush: Meyle-HD (fitted) or Powerflex PFF3-101/102 (difference?)
Lower Ball joints: Lemforder (ECP L-617440255 R-617440155)
Steering Bracket: OEM = 811419325B
Track rod adjusters + bushes: OEM or Bambridge (sourced)
Tie rods ends: Lemforder (ECP L/R - 606440025)
Drop Links: Lemforder (ECP L/R - 605440095)
Subframe bushes: Superflex SF080-1797KSS
Gearbox mount: OEM (fitted) or solid Bambridge
Engine mount: OEM (fitted) or solid/delrin options
Snub Mount: OEM or Rusty CNC (fitted)
ARB bush: OEM or Powerflex PFR3-xxxx (depends on size)

REAR:

Upper arm (inner): OEM or Powerflex PFR3-209 (or 212-cast)
Upper arm (outer): OEM or Powerflex PFR3-208
Lower arm (front): OEM or Powerflex PFR3-205
Lower arm (rear): OEM or Powerflex PFR3-206
Rear tirod bush: OEM or Bambridge (sourced)
Subframe bushes: 034 Poly or Bambridge Solid (sourcing)
Diff Rear Mount: OEM or Apokil bracket+bush or Powerflex PFR3-107
Diff arms: OEM x2, 034 or Apikol
Drop Links: OEM or ECP (L-605441605 R-605441615)
ARB bush: OEM or Powerflex PFR3-511-xx (depends on size)

***Greg_S*** · 28 June 2014, 14:22

Have a look at superflex bushes too.

**Ross** · 8 August 2014, 22:44

Any advice on the best order to strip the front suspension down? Assuming I have it on stands, with the wheels and brakes removed, spring compressors fitted.

I need to fit these beasts - tie rod adjusters backwards so i don't lose the bits

also have new lower ball joints and need to drop the subframe to change bushes too!

Attached Files

photo-7.jpg (182.7 KB, 97 views)

**piotr** · 9 August 2014, 08:02

i would advise new subframe bolts(stretch) and drive shaf bolts(x4) stretch.
i just fitted superflex subframe busches on my Coupe-great staff and so easy to fit.
im sure you know that but just remainder

do up your lower arm bolts/nuts when car will be back on the wheels.
where have you got your engine mounts from ?

Front suspension overhaul?

Front suspension overhaul?

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