The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[slater]

Is there a way to verify what part number my suspension is without taking off the strut?

My dad's ZSP is a good half inch lower than my car. Just about every ZSP seems to be lower than my car.

This is a 17x8.5" with a 245/40/17 tire. Quite a bit more gap in there than the ZSPs I see with OEM style 68s.

Attachment 17357


Thoughts?

stephen, you're also running a shorter tire so the wheel 'gap' will be greater. measure ground-to-fender lip versus your dad's car and see where it's at.

peter

[stephenkirsh]

We're on identical wheel and tire sizes. ZSP = sports package, incase that was causing some confusion.

[UdubBadger]

Talk to me about the E46 steering rack. How easy to go bad? Symptoms? Fixes?


GoingHAM mobile

Anyone?


GoingHAM mobile

[ryankokesh]

Anyone?


GoingHAM mobile

I think the way they tend to go bad is seal failure. Although I could be wrong. You'd see loss of steering atf fluid, funny noises, etc.

Is there a reason you ask...?


Sent from my iPhone

[az3579]

My dad's ZSP is a good half inch lower than my car. Just about every ZSP seems to be lower than my car.

It's also possible his springs are shot, thereby resulting in lower ride height.

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So recently my car decided it would be funny to SLAM when I hit bumps. It's hard to describe, but it's as though the wheel is hitting the bump with full force every time I hit one, regardless of the severity. It is very loud; I'm wondering if perhaps my shock is toast and it is no longer absorbing bumps?? I'm really worried I'll damage something if I keep driving it like this. Has anyone else's car done this before? I do not feel anything in the steering wheel when it does this, and it's only in the front, what seems like only the right side but I can't be sure.

I took a quick peek and it doesn't seem like my swap bar bushings or CABs are damaged; everything looks fine visually.

[UdubBadger]

I think the way they tend to go bad is seal failure. Although I could be wrong. You'd see loss of steering atf fluid, funny noises, etc.

Is there a reason you ask...?


Sent from my iPhone

No it just doesn't feel as tight as it should be. Haven't noticed any fluids. Probably not the rack, maybe something else?

Ideas?


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[stephenkirsh]

It's also possible his springs are shot, thereby resulting in lower ride height.

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I'm comparing my car to every ZSP I see. Just use my dad as an example since it's the easiest. His car barely has 60k on it and has been babied. Recent inspection with no issues, too.

I'll get around to checking my springs this weekend.

[az3579]

I'm comparing my car to every ZSP I see. Just use my dad as an example since it's the easiest. His car barely has 60k on it and has been babied. Recent inspection with no issues, too.

I'll get around to checking my springs this weekend.

In that case, someone probably just put the wrong springs back in your car when they replaced them.

[ELCID86]

In that case, someone probably just put the wrong springs back in your car when they replaced them.

Hmm, not a bad theory. Can they be measured on the car?

[OtterEffect]

No it just doesn't feel as tight as it should be. Haven't noticed any fluids. Probably not the rack, maybe something else?

Ideas?


GoingHAM mobile

Steering guibo perhaps?