Bump steer spacers

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Bert Poliakoff

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Testing the water with this. When a car is lowered the steering geometry is affected. So bump steer spacers are used to get it back to where it was or closer by spacing the tie rod levers from the strut. What I have gleaned from reading the write ups on this is, the spacer should be close to the amount of drop.The only spacers available are 1/2" in thickness, and if a thicker spacer is needed multiple sets have to be bought, They sell uniformly for $120 a set. I am thinking of making these in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" thicknesses. I will sell them at $115 with a larger selection of thicknesses.. I know these will fit E3 and E12 and possibly E9. My belief is the E9 should have the same bolt spacing where the steering lever bolts on to the strut
 
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So it mounts under strut and above steering arm with three safety wired bolts?

(Info: the Blumax had camber plates mounted there, first I had ever seen)
 
This raises an interesting question -- Did BMW alter the steering geometry on US cars when it inserted the 3/4" ring on top of the front struts in order to meet US DOT headlight height requirements?

If so, it would seem that there are broadly two categories of adjustment spacers -- one for those who lowered their car, but only by removing the 3/4" aluminum spacer and another for those of us (and there appear to be a lot of us) who have both removed the silly 3/4" ring and installed Carl Nelson lowering springs. If not, there are still plenty of us in the Carl Nelson spring camp.
 
the DOT memo from BMW to Hoffman only mentions throwing in the spacer rings to comply, nothing else.

Ohmess said:
This raises an interesting question -- Did BMW alter the steering geometry on US cars when it inserted the 3/4" ring on top of the front struts in order to meet US DOT headlight height requirements?

If so, it would seem that there are broadly two categories of adjustment spacers -- one for those who lowered their car, but only by removing the 3/4" aluminum spacer and another for those of us (and there appear to be a lot of us) who have both removed the silly 3/4" ring and installed Carl Nelson lowering springs. If not, there are still plenty of us in the Carl Nelson spring camp.
Click to expand...
 
The difference, if I am looking at this correctly, is the rings are basically raising the "structure" with no effect on suspension geometry as the rings are only working "outside" of the suspension and not affecting it.
 
Because of material and set up costs, I need 6 guys in.I have 2 guys on another forum interested. So, if I end up with 5 we go ahead if not some other time down the road
 
Bump Steer is when your wheels steer themselves without input from the steering wheel. The undesirable steering is caused by bumps in the track interacting with improper length or angle of your suspension and steering linkages. Most car builders design their cars so that the effects of bump steer are minimal.
 
Bert,

I might be interested in a set, but won't know until middle of the summer. I'm installing the Paul Cain adjustable front struts, and won't get that done and final ride height set until then.

Gary
 
I'll take a set Bert. Two if needed to get over the hurdle. This is very noticeable on early 911 cars, they get real twitchy if not corrected after lowering. I haven't noticed it as much on BMWs.
 
Here is where I am at with these. I need 4 minimum to get the machinist to set up. I am in for 1 set leaving 3 needed. Gary Knox said he is in for a set but not until the middle of the summer. I will write him later and see if he will step up. So that would leave you in for two.

This will probably move along slowly as no one seems to understand the benefits. I will reach out to see if I can find anymore interested people. I will keep you in the loop. One way or another I will get it to move ahead. I also want to make sure that these are for pre 82 BMWs..E3, E9, E12 and early E24

Bert
 
Just got off the phone with Carl Nelson. E3, E9 and E12 all the samee strut bolt pattern. I will need to know how thick you want them. If Gary doesn't get in I will take 2 sets. I will stay in touch and once I have talked with the machinist who does my work, I will let you know and give you paypal info. Once started, it will be about a 10 day lead time.

Not to seem pushy, I have new blue cloths as original with appropriate logo $40 shipped, but in conjunction with the other parts $30

Bert
 
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