How long does the front suspension last between rebuilds?

donp38 · May 14, 2016

Hi All.

I replaced coffin arms, drop links and forks some time ago.

The front suspension is back to being 'cherpy' again.
No clonks or bangs, just 'cherpy'.

Am i simply back into changing wevrything again?

Regards.

C2dweller · May 15, 2016

I normally advise 8 years for genuine parts and about half that for aftermarket parts. This is a wet finger.
Miles travelled, road conditions and storage all have a bearing on this.

Did you replace top mounts as well?

donp38 · May 15, 2016

interesting.
Only lasted 12000 miles (although that did take 5 years). All done by OPC.
Didn't do top mount. Vehicle only done total 30k miles.

Should I just replace top mount you think? Is there a way of inspection?

Richard_Hamilton · May 15, 2016

If the rest of it was changed 12000 miles ago, I would just replace the part that is causing the noise. As for the top mounts, the problem tends to be that the rubber separates from the sleeve where the damper piston goes through. You can only tell when you remove them, and although you would expect them to last more than 30,000 miles, the car is probably around 15 years old, and time takes its toll.

donp38 · May 15, 2016

Thanks gents.
OK. Top Mounts it is.
I will hunt around for a price.
Many thanks.
Brian.

donp38 · Jul 31, 2016

Hi Chaps.

Thought to update.
Talked to my OPC and they suggested I take it in for them to diagnose.
They did a road drive with me and thought it was the coffin arms. They then took it into the garage and had a physical inspection.
An hour later the diagnosis was inner track rod arms and steering rack would need removing.
They gave me a quotation for the work. No charge for the time spent diagnosing.

I booked the car in a few weeks later.

So, last week all done including a 4 wheel alignment and everything is fine. Suspension is completely quiet.

Best wishes.