gjm 3258 Report post Posted August 21, 2020 Miss Ms car, 2001 E46 318i (M43), has one front strut which isn't doing much. Jack the front nearside (left, as viewed from the drivers seat) corner of the car, grasp the wheel rim, and it moves up and down far more easily than would be desired. There's signs it has been leaking. Strut top mounts look OK. Does anyone have any struts they're not using? Complete strut would be easier to swap into the car, of course. I'm very aware that using s/h ones is probably just delaying purchase of new kit, but budgets are ridiculously tight at the moment. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted August 21, 2020 A car only has one left hand side Graham, just like a person, it doesn't matter which way you're look at it/them. ? But I implore you, please replace both at the same time. They're US$45 each new at Schmiedmann although I'm not sure about shipping as their prices have crept up over the last 18 months. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjm 3258 Report post Posted August 21, 2020 Replacing the pair is the plan. Aside from making for a balanced setup, if one has failed the other is likely to. Sadly no time to wait for an overseas delivery. Miss M is with us in HB and needs to head back to Hamilton before next weekend. But I have found somewhere local to talk to. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olaf 3345 Report post Posted August 21, 2020 if you ordered right now, FCP would have it with you before Friday. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjm 3258 Report post Posted August 21, 2020 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Olaf said: if you ordered right now, FCP would have it with you before Friday. Sadly, probably too tight a timeline. She has to be in Hamilton for Friday evening for an interview - but we're seeing if that can be done remotely. I have the start of a plan. Hoping I can arrange something tomorrow morning. Always the way - bad timing. This is a recent problem (I hope) - passed a WoF about two weeks ago. Edited August 21, 2020 by gjm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gjm 3258 Report post Posted August 24, 2020 (edited) Both front struts will be sorted on Thursday. And a full alignment, of course. It's debatable whether this is sensible expenditure given the value of the car, but the alternative was to buy another. I'm not averse to buying cars ? but while money spent on this car will never be recovered, we do know the car and know (despite student-car appearances) that it is mechanically good and safe. And a replacement could easily need work, too. Edited August 24, 2020 by gjm 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
