Went back to stock suspension from H&R Race springs, some issues...

[thegad]

Had Sonic MS switch me back to stock after running H&R Race Springs. They were a bit low for the SF Bay Area and too harsh for my fiancee's liking. However I'm having some issues:

• My steering wheel is slightly off center. To go straight my wheel has to be turned a few degrees CCW
• My rear wheels seem substantially less settled in turns. For example if I hit a bump in the road during a high-speed turn it feels like the rear wheels skip around much more than before.
• On the rear passenger side there's a creaking spring noise whenever I hit a rough bump in the road

Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to head back to the shop to get things checked out and fix. It's been awhile since I've driven an M3 on stock suspension so I'm unsure if the backend is always a little jumpy when stock or if possibly there's something up with one of the rear springs and it's linked to the sound I'm hearing.

Any thoughts from suspension experts? Part of me is tempted to just put the H&Rs back on, although they really are a bit too extreme for what I need.

[Wei718]

Did you get an alignment after going back to stock suspension? That can explain why your steering wheel is off centered.

[thegad]

I didn't explicitly ask for one (perhaps foolishly I assumed that'd be part of getting the springs swapped). Definitely going to do that and see if it helps out with the handling feel as well.

[Wei718]

Originally Posted by thegad

I didn't explicitly ask for one (perhaps foolishly I assumed that'd be part of getting the springs swapped). Definitely going to do that and see if it helps out with the handling feel as well.

Yeah, anytime you mess with the suspension your alignment will be off a little. Try that out first but as far as your creaking noises goes that will be hard to explain. It shouldn't be making any noises. Give it some time perhaps it'll go away with more driving.

[W///]

Originally Posted by thegad

I didn't explicitly ask for one (perhaps foolishly I assumed that'd be part of getting the springs swapped). Definitely going to do that and see if it helps out with the handling feel as well.

Probably the wrong assumption. Sounds to me like you need to get an alignment and you'll be ok.

Also going from springs to stocks again has to feel really weird. That would be like going from a car with a tune to stock

Good luck.

[longuyen88]

you need an alignment, period. And the passenger spring is probably not seated right on the spring pad.

[lsmkr01]

Originally Posted by longuyen88

you need an alignment, period. And the passenger spring is probably not seated right on the spring pad.

This.

Have you considered a milder spring set like Eibach?

[Denk]

The stock suspension feels more planted in the rear than any spring combo that I've had. Even my last Dinan setup was a little floaty in the backend compared to stock...noticeable in high speed turns with imperfections. Power down grip is better with the stock suspension also. I'd have them look over the install and fix your alignment issue.

[Z K]

Make sure the spring is seated correctly and you definitely need a wheel alignment after any suspension change!

[thegad]

Got an alignment and it fixed all the issues. Kind of shocked they didn't go ahead and do the alignment and charge me for it at the time (or at least suggest it). My fault for not anticipating that though.

[Koldun]

Originally Posted by lsmkr01

This.

Have you considered a milder spring set like Eibach?

This is what I did. H&Rs were great but a bit too low and my tired rubbed when I went up in size. Eibachs solved it.

[SilentAttack]

alignment.. sounds like your issue

[cvc 22349a]

I'm surprised they didn't tell you you'd need an alignment
They're a great shop. Quality alignments and work.