Front suspensions feedback from MOT

B

BMW_User

Member
The last MOT checks showed some wear of the front suspensions.

The NSF lower arm rear bush is separating and both NS and OS have play.

The mechanics have advised that replacing these parts should be done in the next 6 months.
The play is not enough to fail the MOT, but the next one might fail.

My concern for the next 12 months is more around the safety when driving and what that really means.
The job should probably be around £300.

Is this something that could quickly get worse or is it ok to arrange for this job when I do the next inspection?
 
If they've advised replacing in 6 months, then it won't make 12 months to the next MOT anyway.
Wife's car had these done a couple of weeks back.
They went from fine, to her reporting knocking and jolting within the space of less than 200 miles.
When changed I was shown how the front wheels could actually move forward and back by nearly an inch, so what that was doing to tracking and tyre wear is anyone's guess.
I'd not try and 'hang on' to anything suspension related like that tbh.
 
I agree and the adviser actually asked me if I wanted to leave the car and have the job carried out in the following week.

My concern is that I will be travelling for hundreds of miles in this period and I wouldn't like to have surprises at high speed.

Now that I think about it, 3-4 years ago I replaced the front tires and the mechanic, while strenghtening the bolts on the NS wheel, noticed that there was some play and advised to check it.
The NS wheel is precisely the one affected the most by the problem. I guess this could be the case?

Perhaps I shouldn't wait 4000 miles (almost entirely done at high speed on motorways) for the next inspection and have that done sooner!
 
Well I have to say, the ones on the wife's car looked like the originals @ 100k. (Probably had been replaced before but not for some time)
As I wanted full peace of mind and it's not easy for me to do suspension work on my gravel drive, I asked my garage to swap both side lower wishbones plus those mounting bushes.
On removal they noted that the wishbones themselves were either original or genuine BMW replacements (again, pretty old ones). The ball joints were showing signs of wear as well.
For a shade under £400 I got both sides done, and then all the tracking sorted as well. Not cheap but I wanted it all sorted properly. Considering the hassles they had freeing off the tie rods to track it, I'm glad I doled out the cash!
They used Delphi parts; says he has done for years, with no issues at all. Said I could pay more for Lemforder ones, but the difference in his experience did not warrant the extra cost.
The car certainly now seems transformed!
 
Sounds like the lollipop bushes, I'd recommend getting them pressed out of the housings and the M versions pressed in for a small improvement in the steering feel.
 
I've just learnt that the £300ish would be to replace one side (NSF) only which is separating. So both would be around £600-700.
To me it's a bit expensive unless the work requires many hours of labour.
I wonder whether the fact that the OSF has play is something marginal or I should seriously consider replacing both.
Anyone has done this at an approved centre around London and can confirm the cost range?

Thanks.
 
BMW_User said:
I've just learnt that the £300ish would be to replace one side (NSF) only which is separating. So both would be around £600-700.
To me it's a bit expensive unless the work requires many hours of labour.
I wonder whether the fact that the OSF has play is something marginal or I should seriously consider replacing both.
Anyone has done this at an approved centre around London and can confirm the cost range?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

See my previous post. £400 for both sides plus tracking. Used Delphi parts. But an Indy in deepest Norfolk ain't much use to you I guess.
However, easy to say as it's not my cash, but I'd get both sides done if it were me. Hopefully a forum member in your area can point you to somewhere cheaper.

Edit: When you say 'around London' how about Basingstoke direction. Bowser134 on here (Ross) has set up his own business and gets rave reviews.
 
Thanks, that could be an option. The current problem is being able to do this in one day while I wait somewhere in the area.
I'll see if this is feasible, otherwise I might have to try and find someone closer or at least closer to a centre.
 
BMW_User said:
Thanks, that could be an option. The current problem is being able to do this in one day while I wait somewhere in the area.
I'll see if this is feasible, otherwise I might have to try and find someone closer or at least closer to a centre.
Click to expand...

Well a call to find out is easy enough. Better to hang around for a while and know an expert has done it :wink:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom