Rear suspension strut - kaput?
 

I know a lot of CSL owners on here have had springs snap on their suspension and after a track day at Nordschleife I loaded up the spare wheels and tyres into the back and noticed the tyre almost touching the wheel arch on one side. I assume this is a broken spring/strut and have ordered a replacement.

Is there anything else I should be looking at. I managed to get back and once the car was unloaded the clearance on the rear arch seems to be equal on each side but assume it must still be the suspension.

I will pop the rear wheel off tomorrow and have a closer look. Is replacement a fairly easy job otherwise I will get it done under warranty. I assume replacing just one side is the norm or should they be replaced in pairs. I have a £250 excess so at £150 for the part it is unlikely to be worth getting on the Mondial warranty.

Any other pointers appreciated.

Pip

Springs brake at the bottom they are around £80 each and easy to change
Jack up the car and remove the wheel then feel around the bottom of the spring if its broken all you have to do is remove the bottom bolt out the shocker and push the hub down with your foot and remove the spring.

Its a bit harder to put the new spring in but can be done :thumbs:

Hope this helps

Cheers Mark I will try and look at it today. The only thing that is odd is that now that the spare tyres and wheels have been taken out it now seems all level at the back. I tried depressing the suspension from above and cannot hear any odd noises which I assume I would if the spring was broken.

We shall see.

Pip

if its a damper they should change them all under warranty

Cheers Mac but as I have a £250 excess on my warranty it is not really worth it.

A complete new strut that I order is a special order so it will take five days. I read Mark's tip top tip after the order was made so could have saved £70 as the whole part is about £150 complete.

Pip

Shocks/discs/brake pads etc always replace in pairs, always.

I'm with Barry C on that one, it's all about balance :supz:

But if I get it done through warranty will BMW do both, probably not. I would like to hear what others have done when getting repairs through warranty. Has anyone successfully claimed for both - Gorilla ?

Pip

bmw changed both my springs under warranty.said that on m cars they only replace in pairs.that was stephen james enfield.

Well my new strut and spring only came in today and I have not had a chance to pick it up. I have noted everyone's comments on changing both sides so will put another order in and possibly sort it out next year.

What I do want to ask is is there any definative way of telling if the spring has snapped without taking it out as the car seems to have settled in a neutral position ie with both sides sitting with the same gap in the wheel arch. I am beginning to wander if carrying the four wheels and tyres in the back to the Nordschleife caused some inbalance. I also put three crates of Weissbeir in on the way back along with luggage.

The car was definately uneven the day after the day on track (as well as making some noise on R hand bends - broken spring suspected R side) and without any load. It was also uneven on return to Blighty but today seems all even. I have tried rocking the suspension and listening for noise but to no avail.

I will have another look tomorrow but may not get time to sort it before I shoot away to work. I may just put it into BMW to look at next year, ELMs maybe.

Any other pointers? I do not really want to fanny about taking it all apart if I do not need to. Best test?????

Any further help appreciated.

Pip