Fixed, hopefully.

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TJS
Joined: Mon 12 Sep, 2005 19:05
Posts: 474

  Z1 roadster

Fixed, hopefully.

Post by TJS »

The Z1 came out winter hibernation last week and is now taxed having sailed through another MOT. For the last couple of years I have noticed a low speed "clonk" from the nearside front suspension when changing direction, especially on a roundabout. Having checked for worn steering and suspension bushes, loose panels, under tray, wheel arch liners etc I decide the time had come to replace the front anti roll bar (swaybar) bushes . The nearside bush that came off the car was oval due to wear but had also originally been fitted backwards. The 5mm indentation on the rear of the upper surface of the bush is clearly visible compared to the cut out on the new replacement and indeed the old bush. The shackles could have been cleaned up and used again but at £5.50 each I decided on new ones. The replacement bushes are now split on the top, upper surface compared to the lower position in the shackle on the old bush.

It's a 30 minute job per side assuming the nuts on the drop link and the shackles play along and you use a trolly jack to raise and hold the new shackle/bush in place.

Hopefully the clonk has been banished ! Test drive later in the week.

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Green Genie
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Joined: Thu 01 May, 2008 17:29
Posts: 484

  Z1 roadster
Location: Hertfordshire

Re: Fixed, hopefully.

Post by Green Genie »

TJS Glad to see your car sailed through the MOT as did mine again this year.

Nice handiwork, let's hope that cures the annoying "clonk" let us know if that sorts the problem. I've not had to do much on the suspension on mine other than have the wishbones changed, was an advisory from the last service due to age related perishing of the rubber bushes. The car doesn't drive vastly different from having this done, a little less wheel wobble at speed, but at least it's another job off the list.

Wish I was more hands on with tools as you obviously are, I'll have to pay more attention on the next technical day. :rtm:
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TJS
Joined: Mon 12 Sep, 2005 19:05
Posts: 474

  Z1 roadster

Re: Fixed, hopefully.

Post by TJS »

Hi Keith.

A top down test drive to Burford for lunch reveals the problem is solved. No great improvement in the handling, as expected.

The bar is 21mm diameter and I think the bushes are shared with the E30. After market uprated (harder) poly bushes are available but can generate additional vibration, however, I decided to keep with the rubber OEM spec. If you remove the front wheels and undo the drop links to eliminate tension on the bar its a straight forward job, you don't need to remove the under tray. Re torque the drop link bolts to 45 ft lb when reassembling. Given the limited use its unusual for the bushes to need replacing although to be fair the rubber components are now almost 30 years old.

Most people have, or will soon need to, replace the front wheel arch liners which are breaking up due to age. The replacements need the various holes cutting out and the suspension strut dropped to fit the liner. At this point I would recommend replacing the anti roll bar bushes on a preventative basis, it would only add 10 minutes to the labour bill.

The front offside wishbone and damper were replaced 6 years ago by a well known independent BMW specialist and, as the photo shows, the anti roll bar was removed. Obviously when it was reassembled the rubber bushes were inserted back to front and not seated properly which no doubt accelerated the wear. The picture in the original post shows a small arrow on the end of the bush which should face the front of the car. The photo below also triggers my OCD with the brake caliper and steering rack left dangling in mid air by the rubber brake hose and gaitor. Oh well, at least they saved the cost of a couple of supporting cable ties.

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Second recommendation, the homemade pies at The Royal Oak in Burford are fantastic !

http://www.royaloakburford.co.uk/#food
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Green Genie
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Joined: Thu 01 May, 2008 17:29
Posts: 484

  Z1 roadster
Location: Hertfordshire

Re: Fixed, hopefully.

Post by Green Genie »

Hi Tony
Good news the "clonk" has been eliminated, well done you.

Sorry to see the specialist let you down quite badly on that occasion, quite a rookie mistake to make. I can also see why your OCD was triggered judging by the last photo!

Who do you use now for servicing?
Or do you do all your own in that swanky new garage of yours?
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Jet
Joined: Fri 14 Nov, 2003 16:24
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Re: Fixed, hopefully.

Post by Jet »

TJS wrote: Mon 20 May, 2019 18:26 It's a 30 minute job per side assuming the nuts on the drop link and the shackles play along and you use a trolly jack to raise and hold the new shackle/bush in place.


Good idea TJ, mine were replaced few years ago, except none of these bits played along, it took forever :head:

But one more item ticked off the list.
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