e36 suspension issue

Post Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:42 pm

Just need a bit of help with me e36 peeps.
Basically the car is lowered all around. When i first lowered it, it wasn't sitting as low as it is now.
Now when i go over a speed hump, i can hear a squeaking noise from the rear.
I'm assuming its the top mounts, but any other things it could be?

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:50 am

top mounts are the main suspect are the rear bushes all in good shape as if its slammed it will put more stress on them, i think you can upgrade to e46 m3 mounts (so i read somware!) top mounts to my experiance does sound more like a thud over bumps than a squeak.

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:52 am

A mouse

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:01 am

320ise wrote:top mounts are the main suspect are the rear bushes all in good shape as if its slammed it will put more stress on them, i think you can upgrade to e46 m3 mounts (so i read somware!) top mounts to my experiance does sound more like a thud over bumps than a squeak.

I did change the rear trailing arm bushes when i got the car, as they were completely buggered, the car wobbled even on smooth surfaces.
The springs in the car are 40mm drop, but it looks like a bloody 60mm now.
I'll change the top mounts and trailing arm bushes again anyway, and see how it goes.

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:02 am

TheHeap wrote:A mouse

Absolute GENIUS. I'l check for that too.

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:44 am

Not sure what make of springs you've fitted but e36s (and e46 by all account) are very good at snapping rears.

Has it dropped equally either side or just one side? Could it be a collapsed or cracked spring platform?

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:18 am

The bushes that support the rear diff/suspension 'cradle' are prone to dying also.

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:19 pm

B7 wrote:Not sure what make of springs you've fitted but e36s (and e46 by all account) are very good at snapping rears.

Has it dropped equally either side or just one side? Could it be a collapsed or cracked spring platform?

Its fitted with Apex springs and it has dropped equally either side. By spring platform, the rubber base i'm guessing. Will check that too.

Thanks

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:20 pm

jaistanley wrote:The bushes that support the rear diff/suspension 'cradle' are prone to dying also.

Will get back to the dude who MOT'd the car 6 weeks ago and get him to check it over again.

Thanks

Post Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:47 pm

FMH wrote:
B7 wrote:Not sure what make of springs you've fitted but e36s (and e46 by all account) are very good at snapping rears.

Has it dropped equally either side or just one side? Could it be a collapsed or cracked spring platform?
Its fitted with Apex springs and it has dropped equally either side. By spring platform, the rubber base i'm guessing. Will check that too.

Thanks

Doubt it would drop equally though. Not much chance of both sides going exactly the same. Stumped me sorry!

Post Tue Dec 22, 2009 7:09 pm

Also worth checking around the top of the rear strut tops.

They can suffer when lowered, My old M3 evo pushed the rear shock through the strut, I think you can get some reinforcing plates to stop this.