Suspension Question

[Kace]

Guys (specifically MyF and CJ) - need some quick advice wrt to the suspension refits that some of you have successfully undertaken.

Went to Dave McCann today and they had an awful job trying to adjust my suspension - to the point that I was advised to get a number of things replaced before they can complete the work.

I see from CJ's excellent post (http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1489) that the following items are the most common suspension replacement items, however I would like to know whether any of you replaced the following arm (circled) and/or bolt (see arrow) ? I need to know exactly what I need to replace here (as the arm seems like a big part to be replacing - this is it I think http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m3b0s10p838 or it could be http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m3b0s10p840)



Same question wrt the following. CJ I see you replaced the adjustment bolts therefore I will do the same. However did you also replace the bushes that the bolt goes through or does this all come as one unit ?



Thanks guys

[CJ]

Went to Dave McCann today and they had an awful job trying to adjust my suspension - to the point that I was advised to get a number of things replaced before they can complete the work.

The rear camber bolts can seize up over time and may need replacing in certain circumstances, I had these replaced when the suspension was overhauled.

I would like to know whether any of you replaced the following arm (circled) and/or bolt (see arrow) ?

That looks like the rear upper arm, you shouldn't really need to replace it.

CJ I see you replaced the adjustment bolts therefore I will do the same. However did you also replace the bushes that the bolt goes through or does this all come as one unit ?

Yes, I also replaced the inner arm bushes.

If you're looking at getting any of this sort of work done, can I recommend Paul Nolan (who else), he did a great job on my suspension.

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

Kace - What problems did they have? Were the bolts siezed up on the arms? Or did it relate to the condition of the bushes on the arms?

I spoke to Mike in Camskill and he pretty much sorted what I needed - in fact when I got under the car with a mate I discovered a couple of the rear bushes had already been replaced fron its days in Japan so I've a few spare left over.

If you're gonna start replacing bushes you may as well do a few - Probably the main ones to buy would be -
Front Suspension Rear bushes (Poly - extra castor) - front bottom arm.
Front Suspension Front Bushes (Poly - also extra castor)
Rear trailing arm bushes
Rear outer bottom arm bush
Rear inner bottom arm bush

This is of course presuming you have already sorted the front and rear ARB bushes (poly) and front and rear droplinks which I had already sorted previous to this.
Cost for the above around 110GBP from Camskill - well worth the money for the transformation in ride and handling though I also upgraded to KYB dampers and Apex springs at the same time.

It may be an idea to give Camskill a call and speak to Mike - or email him the pictures - he usually responds fairly quickly.

BTW - AFAIK the bushes are separate to the bolt in the 2nd picture.
As per CJ - I would start by changing the relevant bushes rather than changing suspension arms.

[soc]

Went to Dave McCann today and they had an awful job trying to adjust my suspension - to the point that I was advised to get a number of things replaced before they can complete the work.

The rear camber bolts can seize up over time and may need replacing in certain circumstances, I had these replaced when the suspension was overhauled.


CJ

These went on my GR which meant that they couldn't adjust the rear camber - had to get these replaced.

[Kace]

Kace - What problems did they have? Were the bolts siezed up on the arms? Or did it relate to the condition of the bushes on the arms?

The toe-in setting was about 2 degrees out (so far out the guys were laughing), however the bolts and arms were quite tight and couldn't be adjusted far enough to get to the correct setting. There was no way of telling that the bushes were shot (in my view) but it's probably best to do some of these also.

We decided I should replace some of the bolts that would aid this adjustment, however I didn't really know whether the arms were required also.

If you're gonna start replacing bushes you may as well do a few - Probably the main ones to buy would be -
Front Suspension Rear bushes (Poly - extra castor) - front bottom arm.
Front Suspension Front Bushes (Poly - also extra castor)
Rear trailing arm bushes
Rear outer bottom arm bush
Rear inner bottom arm bush

Haven't done any of these ever so should probably shell out and get them done now.

This is of course presuming you have already sorted the front and rear ARB bushes (poly) and front and rear droplinks which I had already sorted previous to this.

Yep - already did the ARBs on the front and rear as well as the rear droplinks

BTW - AFAIK the bushes are separate to the bolt in the 2nd picture.
As per CJ - I would start by changing the relevant bushes rather than changing suspension arms.

Yep - I'll go for the bushes but will also do the bolts so that the guys can do the suspension adjustments. Although my handling seems fine to me the rear wheels pointing away from the car are probably not doing me any favours.

I'll give Mike a shout tomorrow.

If you're looking at getting any of this sort of work done, can I recommend Paul Nolan (who else), he did a great job on my suspension.

You're preaching to the converted there CJ, I have been using Paul since the beginning. Only problem with him know is that the guy has so much business you need to book in nearly 2 weeks in advance