Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Weird suspension problems after new struts

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Hickory nc
    Posts
    25
    My Cars
    E36 vert, e92

    Weird suspension problems after new struts

    Ok just replaced the front struts as well as front brake pads on my 318i. I drove it around for a day and it was making a clunking noise so I checked the top strut nut and it was not tightened so I torqued it down with an impact and now no noises, rides great. Except now I notice the car will intermittently pull hard to the left or the right. Usually after making a hard turn. So if I make a hard turn right it will pull to the right like it really needs an alignment. It will do this until I make a turn in the opposite direction or maybe if I go over a speed bump. Not really sure whats going on? Did I maybe put something back together wrong? Sonetimes its totally fine and tracks straight. Its kind of weird.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    5,750
    My Cars
    99 M3
    Sounds like an alignment issue.
    What did you use as strut spring replacements? Use stock springs? Perhaps a spring is not seated properly.
    Go thru the parts diagrams to be sure your reassembly sequence is correct. Use last seven of your VIN in www.realoem.com to get to correct diagrams.

    Go thru the other fasteners to be sure they are tight.

    Not a good idea to use impact tools on the top strut nut.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Hickory nc
    Posts
    25
    My Cars
    E36 vert, e92
    Yeah I used the stock springs. Would an alignment issue come and go like that? When it pulls its really noticeable like a maybe I should pull over and check this out. Could I have put the top strut nut on too tight? It didnt do this before when it was loose. I had read to use an impact on it so that the piston rod would not spin. They said to put an impact on it and hit it with short blasts

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    1,734
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 328i
    If you can safely compress the spring onto the strut while you are torquing the top nut, the shaft will not spin. I had a friend hold it while I used a torque wrench to 77 ft lbs. If you over torque the nut it can cause the mount to bind and not rotate freely enough. You should get an alignment after to be safe and sure.

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    5,750
    My Cars
    99 M3

    Weird suspension problems after new struts

    The top nut is a relatively low torque. Right around 40ft lbs.

    Here is a great tutorial -
    http://www.unofficialbmw.com/phpBB/v...a0b2e605fa038a

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by bluptgm3; 01-19-2019 at 05:47 PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    People's Republic of MD
    Posts
    2,291
    My Cars
    22 doors and 4 tops
    Did you put the correct struts on each side? Left on Drivers and Right on Passengers

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    San Jose, CA, USA
    Posts
    32
    My Cars
    1996 E36 328is
    You should probably loosen and retorque the nut on both sides to the correct specs, and then get an alignment. You should always get an alignment after any major suspension work anyways. If that doesn’t work, get a friend outside the car and try to pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from and go from there.

Similar Threads

  1. PLEASE HELP! Fuel problems after new engine
    By BMuu in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 06-29-2005, 01:30 PM
  2. engine problems after new head gasket - help
    By justaddcoffee in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-21-2005, 12:37 PM
  3. Alignment immediately after new struts?
    By crqflier in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-19-2005, 05:25 PM
  4. Weird Suspension Problem
    By lucal in forum 1988 - 1994 (E32)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-23-2004, 07:36 AM
  5. help...noise problem after new amp install
    By cincyM3 in forum Car Audio & Electronics sponsored by Bavsound
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-28-2003, 10:01 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •