Suspension rubber split

thongvua · 11-09-2018, 04:03 AM

Hi folks,

While doing my rod bearings, I noticed that the rubber inside my suspension Spring on both side got torn and show the orange foam inside. Should I be concerned? If so, is there any easy way to fix this?

I appreciate any of feedback from you guys. Thanks.

pbonsalb · 11-09-2018, 06:10 AM

You don’t really even need the boot. The orange bump stop is a separate part that works the same with or without a boot.

deansbimmer · 11-09-2018, 07:22 AM

The boot just fell off of its mount. With age they lose some of their pliability. Your bump stops are deteriorated as well which won't perform as they're intended to.

To keep things tip-top you should change out the boots and bump stops. Doing so will help keep your struts happy. Bottoming them out will shorten their lifespan. The boot isn't technically "needed" for the suspension to operate, but it keeps debris off of the shaft which prolongs the life of the shaft seal. Parts would be less than $100 and only a couple hours of shop labor.

msan · 11-09-2018, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

The boot just fell off of its mount. With age they lose some of their pliability. Your bump stops are deteriorated as well which won't perform as they're intended to.

To keep things tip-top you should change out the boots and bump stops. Doing so will help keep your struts happy. Bottoming them out will shorten their lifespan. The boot isn't technically "needed" for the suspension to operate, but it keeps debris off of the shaft which prolongs the life of the shaft seal. Parts would be less than $100 and only a couple hours of shop labor.

Would it be a good time to install camber plates T the same time?

deansbimmer · 11-09-2018, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msan

Would it be a good time to install camber plates T the same time?

Absolutely.

Richbot · 11-09-2018, 10:45 AM

I can't remember if the boot is intergrated with the hard rubber ring around the foam or if it's a separate piece, but that part does change how the stop behaves. Like they say the bellows thingies are just there to keep splashing water etc. off the seal as much as possible. You can see from the fraying and pitting on the foam that yours are ready to be changed

And not only do the stops keep the struts happy, they're also about 50% of your spring in any spirited corner

11-09-2018, 04:03 AM	#1
thongvua Enlisted Member 29 Rep 44 Posts Drives: BMW M3 E92 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Suspension rubber split - concern? Hi folks, While doing my rod bearings, I noticed that the rubber inside my suspension Spring on both side got torn and show the orange foam inside. Should I be concerned? If so, is there any easy way to fix this? I appreciate any of feedback from you guys. Thanks. Attached Images
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11-09-2018, 06:10 AM	#2
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5227 Rep 10,611 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	You don’t really even need the boot. The orange bump stop is a separate part that works the same with or without a boot.
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11-09-2018, 07:22 AM	#3
deansbimmer BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3749 Rep 2,907 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (17) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 X5M [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	The boot just fell off of its mount. With age they lose some of their pliability. Your bump stops are deteriorated as well which won't perform as they're intended to. To keep things tip-top you should change out the boots and bump stops. Doing so will help keep your struts happy. Bottoming them out will shorten their lifespan. The boot isn't technically "needed" for the suspension to operate, but it keeps debris off of the shaft which prolongs the life of the shaft seal. Parts would be less than $100 and only a couple hours of shop labor.
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11-09-2018, 10:45 AM	#6
Richbot Major General 2759 Rep 5,484 Posts Drives: Jerez Black E90 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: STL iTrader: (5)	I can't remember if the boot is intergrated with the hard rubber ring around the foam or if it's a separate piece, but that part does change how the stop behaves. Like they say the bellows thingies are just there to keep splashing water etc. off the seal as much as possible. You can see from the fraying and pitting on the foam that yours are ready to be changed And not only do the stops keep the struts happy, they're also about 50% of your spring in any spirited corner __________________
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