[gunnerxq]

Just looking for an explanation why the steering is a lot heavier after front strut replacement. Eibach springs were kept but bilstein HD's were replaced with bilstein b6 European sport struts. The European version having more aggressive damping then the American version.
I replaced everything strut mounts, rubber bushings top and bottom, washers, top hat etc...

The steering was much stiffer after install and no change after alignment. It's not a negative but a huge positive. Just curious why the huge change after new strut install?
M3 control arms were installed at an earlier date which just made it more sensitive maybe even lighter.

[avocet]

new bearings in the mounts will stiffen things up for awhile. If your steering is tightened up to the point of not centering then perhaps the washers up top(the ones that have a slight cone shape to them) are upsidedown?

Interesting on the euro's being stiffer... any interesting comments?

And are they a different P/N?

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by avocet

new bearings in the mounts will stiffen things up for awhile. If your steering is tightened up to the point of not centering then perhaps the washers up top(the ones that have a slight cone shape to them) are upsidedown?

Interesting on the euro's being stiffer... any interesting comments?

And are they a different P/N?

Nope the steering centers up perfectly. The washers were installed correctly I double checked. No issues I'm just shocked how tight it feels again.

And I'm not sure on the p/n. But on ecs tuning website they said they were European spec struts with more aggressive rebound rate.

But with the new struts and rubber strut mount bushings the ride is more comfortable, less bouncy, quieter over bumps and dips stiffer steering but easier to control especially on the highway. Really shocked at the positive performance upgrade with extra comfort.

Still don't know how

Edit: I emailed bilstein about the different rebound rates but they never got back to me

[gunnerxq]

I think it might be a combination of the rubber replacement, shock mount. And newer struts which are a little shorter then the HD's which might be better for the springs.

[gunnerxq]

I found these part #'s for American vs. European front struts. Seems like most sites don't claim the differences. Just more vs. Less expensive
Left
35-120407 European
35-143291 American

Right
35-120414 European
35-143307 American

[PhaseP]

new bearings in the mounts will stiffen things up for awhile

Yes, experienced same thing was my conclusion also.
The struts turn on those mount bearings along with the rest of the spindle when steering wheel is turned.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

Yes, experienced same thing was my conclusion also.
The struts turn on those mount bearings along with the rest of the spindle when steering wheel is turned.

If installed correctly how long should that stiffer feeling last?

[PhaseP]

Maybe a few weeks. But I can't tell if I got used to the feel or they got loosened up.

[Volasko]

I found my steering stiffer after I did a total refresh (koni yellows, new upper mounts and M3 arms). I figured it was due to the M3 arms, probably a combination of everything.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

Maybe a few weeks. But I can't tell if I got used to the feel or they got loosened up.

Ahh okay thanks. I wonder if the half inch or so lower ride height helped any?

[PhaseP]

I had installed B4's, similar OEM, so no drop.