Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Slideways]

The pinch bolt for the front struts is listed as one time use, I usually always dont think twice and just replace.

Curious if others think its fine to reuse for a bit, I'll likely tag it on to a future order and drive as is for a while.

Still on the originals and reused many times. I did order new ones recently, but have not got around to putting them in, probably won't for a while. The original bolts still look fine and I think they are 10.9 grade.

[Cubieman]

Still on the originals and reused many times. I did order new ones recently, but have not got around to putting them in, probably won't for a while. The original bolts still look fine and I think they are 10.9 grade.

Thanks, I'll probably order some just because but thinking the bolts are likely fine, these likely see minimal if any stretch.

[TeraSeraph]

Thanks, I'll probably order some just because but thinking the bolts are likely fine, these likely see minimal if any stretch.

For whatever reason my strut brace bolts are always coming just loose enough to creak when it's loaded up. Perhaps there's some merit to replacing them after a few uses.

[Cubieman]

What is the flange referenced here?
FWIW just finishing up some TCK struts/Vorshlag plates, 25ft lbs feels like a bit much.

[maupineda]

I torqued those to 27NM

[TeraSeraph]

Does anyone else here have an SMG and also left foot brakes?

I think it was last year that I started to teach my left foot to brake, (more like I did on the forklift at work), and it has improved my cornering smoothness by a good margin. Trail braking is easier, and easing on the power at just the right moment is also more accurate. Since there's no clutch I can sit still in the same position and find that my right knee is much happier not having to twist to apply the brakes. My only gripe is that I have a skinny brake pedal still, I might get an e46 automatic brake pedal so that I'm even more comfortable.

[jayjaya29]

IIRC there was someone that made a kit to install an automatic brake pedal into an SMG M3.

[Advorsor]

I am a novice when it comes to anything suspension related. I currently have Koni Yellows w/ stock springs my car. My dumb question below:

Aside from the performance benefits, would "upgrading" to specifically Ohlin R&Ts result in reduced comfort during normal street driving or is there a chance ride comfort could be improved?

[zzyzx85]

I am a novice when it comes to anything suspension related. I currently have Koni Yellows w/ stock springs my car. My dumb question below:

Aside from the performance benefits, would "upgrading" to specifically Ohlin R&Ts result in reduced comfort during normal street driving or is there a chance ride comfort could be improved?

Unless the current suspension is blown out and floating like a boat, it'll likely be firmer than the current setup. Suspension feel is subjective; someone's "too firm" will be someone else's "just right".

[bavarian3]

Advorsor

Agree with zzyzx85 this is somewhat subjective, but the Ohlins spring rates are much higher than stock so it will feel more firm. If the roads you drive on suck it's even more unlikely to give you what you're looking for.

I went from Dinan's Koni kit(w/ shorter springs provided) to Ohlins RT(with vorshlags) and while it is firmer, it's just so much better.

[karter16]

Does anyone else here have an SMG and also left foot brakes?

I think it was last year that I started to teach my left foot to brake, (more like I did on the forklift at work), and it has improved my cornering smoothness by a good margin. Trail braking is easier, and easing on the power at just the right moment is also more accurate. Since there's no clutch I can sit still in the same position and find that my right knee is much happier not having to twist to apply the brakes. My only gripe is that I have a skinny brake pedal still, I might get an e46 automatic brake pedal so that I'm even more comfortable.

Yep I do! I actually left foot brake any car that isn't a manual. I raced sprint karts as a teenager so by the time I learned to drive on the road I was already used to left foot braking. Learned in my Dad's auto Camry, braked right foot for my driving test and went right back to left foot braking. Weird as right foot braking is completely natural to me when I'm driving a manual, but any time I only have two pedals I go back to left foot braking. Aside from anything else when driving in heavy traffic/high hazard situations it's useful have my foot primed on the brake.