Is this normal?

Got a new set, had them installed. Initially, ride was great. They were installed along with IE fixed camber plates and a 19mm rear sway bar. At some point in time, I noticed more and more rattling in the front along with some skittishness over bumps. Thought this was not right.

Brought it back into the installer and they checked it out. They said that the rattling is from both front perches being loose and able to rotate on there own. They said this was not normal and I needed to replace both struts.

How can this happen?

 

Makes me question the install honestly. Koni's are warrantied for life, so I would think that your installer would be able to contact them. That being said I wonder what detail was overlooked when putting them in.

 

Thanks for the reply. They were installed by bay bridge motors.

They were brand new when I purchased them (at least they appeared that way) from another NAM member. Not sure if I can warranty them but I do have the warranty info.

 

Hmm...my yellows were the same way, also purchased new. Had to tap them down with a hammer. Once there is weight on the struts, the perches should not rotate or rattle unless your mounts or coils are binding up when turning

 

So, in your opinion, there is nothing wrong with the strut? If this is the case, what could cause the binding? Sorry, don't know a whole lot about suspensions.

 

It "shouldn't" rattle or make noise. In my experience it is very easy to dislocate the spring perch from the shock body as there isn't much crush on it.The body is fairly universal and koni just makes a specific perch and lower mounting tabs for the application. If the installer knocked the perch loose and didn't put it back in the right spot, the coil will not line up and can rub when turning. I would e-mail koni with your concern and take the car back to the installer to verify nothing is installed incorrectly and have them remove the struts and secure the perches. IMHO, they do not need to be replaced as the very next set will do the same thing.

HTH,
Marcus

 

i just replaced my shocks with koni fsd. i noticed that the lower perch http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...95&hg=31&fg=10
(number 10 in the diagram where you put that and the one that is provided in the kit. is kinda loose) i mean you can move it with your hand if lift the wheels. is that correct? also i noticed that my ride height got a little bit high.

 

I recently purchased a set of KONI Sports from one of our vendors and, pulled one of the front struts out of the box, only to find that the perch was detached. Called KONI, they immediately sent out another and a UPS pick-up tag for me to return the defective one. They charged me their cost for the replacement but issued credit as soon as they received and inspected the returned one.

 

For koni fsd the perch should not be detachable?

 

No. They're supposed to be crimped on and immoveable. Only coil-overs would have adjustable perches.

 

Oh no both my front shock's perches were detached

 

Suggest you contact KONI Customer Service and explain the situation.