getting ready for suspension work

[dakar]

I recently (July 2012) acquired a 03 c4s with 55k. The PO put HR sports over OEM struts at 34k. the ride is fine but too low for my DD.

My Row030 suspension just arrived. What other parts and hardware should I have handy? There is a good clunk in the rear when going over pot holes etc. Small clunk in the front ONLY when backing out of my driveway with the wheels turned.

I think tie rod ends at a minimum, correct? How about strut bearings and mounts? Any input is appreciated.

Also I have done similar work on my previous M3 so not a total newbie. how long should I allocate for this job?

[RSrocket]

I'm no exepet here :) but from my understaning is that "clunk" you are hearing from the front is due to the spirng "loading up" when the front wheels are turned and then releasing the pressure. There should be some kind of thrust washer/bearing that releases the "loading" on the sping that lets that sping spin freely.

As far as the rear goes. I can't remember if the the rear coils (H&R) are "progresive" or not. But, that noise you "might" be hearing could be the "progressive" part of the coil spring making contact with each other.

I had to deal with this issue many times in the past with my previous cars.

Hope this helps.

[02tx996cab]

Dakar, read the excellent thread on M030 install in the "mods" section (http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/7073-row-m030-sport-suspension-install/).

Before you do the job, inspect the condition of the front bump stops. They're high-density foam and will deteriorate. Mine were chunked and needed to be replaced. Local dealer will likely not carry them, so have them on hand--if you need them--before you start.

When I did the conversion on my '02 C2 cab, I reused everything else after a through cleaning/inspection/regreasing/reassembly. The car had about 45,000 mostly "gentle" miles on it at the time I did the conversion, with no obvious clunks, and the condition of the parts (other than the bump stops) was fine. If you have the time, wait until you're into the job to assess condition of other parts (tie rods, control arm bushings, etc.) to avoid throwing lots of money into parts you don't need.

[Dharn55]

The C4 has different top strut mounts than the C2, they have a bearing built into them. I would advise that you inspect these for any deterioration of the rubber centers and also to clean and lubricate the bearings. In my case they looked OK but failed a few months later.

Have a look here:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/40035-carrera-4-suspension-top-mounts/?view=findpost&p=219587&hl=clacking

Edited January 12, 2013 by Dharn55