Suspension refresh before and after?

[james_gt3rs]

Anyone changed the bushes, balljoints etc, but not the dampers? What did it improve the most, ride, noise, handling?

[giveitfish]

I did, on my S1. Powder-coated wishbones, new OEM-spec bushes and a full fast-road alignment at Phoenix Motorsports.

Suspension was quieter after, but hardly silent. I think the biggest difference before and after was actually down to having a good geo setup applied as much as having the new bushes. The balance in corners with the current geo is just superb.

To be fair mine felt pretty good beforehand. It was worthwhile getting it done for me (peace of mind, corrosion protection etc) but not a night and day difference.

For reference mine is still on original springs and the much maligned Koni dampers.

[james_gt3rs]

OK thanks. My VX220 is on 100k miles with original bushes and balljoints, but feels tight on smooth roads, makes a lot of noise over bumps though. As people tend to replace the dampers at the same time it had me wondering if that accounts for most of the difference.

[giveitfish]

At the time mine was about 13 years old and 57k miles with original ball joints and bushes.

I have a friend with a VX220 who thought my suspension was quieter than his after it was done, but to me it's hard to tell over the other rattles and squeaks!

[Mister K]

Just had similar done at phoenix, fantastic job.

Suspension now lovely & quiet looks the part too. Got the wheels refurbished also in dark matt bronze.

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|https://thumbsnap.com/V1SSgOOL[/url]

[james_gt3rs]

Well, had the bushes done on my car. Made a huge difference, much less 'fight' through the wheel over bumps, less tramlining. Have some play in a couple of ball joints to sort next, but I'd say bushes much more important to replace generally.