So RTAB, tell me more!!

R

Roundozo

Senior member
 Hampshire
Hi all,

I want to tackle my RTABs in the near future (got some knocking etc).but I have a few questions to ask first. I have had a search on the forum but can't seem to find definitive answers so here goes.......

The car is a 2006 Coupe on 72k now.


1-what bushes do you recommend? I don't track the car but do have fun B roads to play on. Don't know if I should go OEM, Myele or Polly.

2-is it worth getting a limiter kit and if so any recommendations?

3-has anyone done a DIY for this as I can't find it. Need the torque figures and have also heard the bushes need to be seated in a correct position? I've seen the Russian TIS but its not that clear. Has anyone got a DIY guide with pictures etc?

4-I've seen that there seems to be an abundance of forum members that own the removal tool. Can I borrow one and post back?

Thanks in anticipation!
 
Go for polyurethane; powerflex.
They have limiters build in, and are much easier to install (install by hand). Normal bushings have to be press fitted with pretention (otherwise the bushing will tear over time; the orientation of the stock bushings is dependent on ride height); this is not the case with polyurethane.
I think powerflex also has lifetime warranty.

You still have to remove the old stock ones with a press tool obviously..
 
I got mine out by drilling with a hole saw and then cutting into the inside wall of the old bush. It took some doing but no special tools needed. I wish i had gone with powerflex when re installing.
 
Ah, pretension. That's what I'd heard. Are they ok for normal road use? I don't exactly have racetrack smooth tarmac around me.
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-E46-3-Series-Z4-Powerflex-Rear-Trailing-Arm-Bush-PFR5-3608-incl-M3-/110922594540


Or if you feel lucky:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E36-M3-Evo-Powerflex-Rear-Trailing-Arm-Front-Bush-Pfr5-3608-Pfr53608-/191573688583

Pretention is basically that you have to install the OEM bushings with the rear trailing arm in a certain set position. If you don't do that the bushings sits under constant strain when the car sits on it's wheels which will result in very short life.
The powerflex bushings don't have that problem because they basically act as a bearing.

They're ok for normal road use on that particular spot.

Remember that if you don't mark out how the trailing arm bushing carrier is fitted in the chassis (moveable slots), you have to get the rear re-alighned. So mark out how it sits before you loosen the bolts, so you can install it again in the exact same position.
 
I replaced mine with Meyle HD ones a a rogue limiter kit. :D

I used this tool of eBay which helped with removeal and fitting.

regarding pretention, its locking the cage back on to the arm in the correct position. I used a straight piece of wood clamped onto the base of the cage, you then align it so that its centred to the hub and lock it up.

not the best photo but it should give you an idea

IMG_1992_zpstofeupxh.jpg
 
Think I'm going to go powerflex as I then don't need pretension. Putting these in seems relatively straightforward but getting the old ones out seems pretty hard. If I drill out the centre, won't the outer metal ring still be stuck in the arm? Bush puller seems the easy option but I'm not spending £100 on two pieces of metal with a thread through them.

Any other ways to get them out?
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-Series-Z3-E36-E46-Rear-Axle-Trailing-Arm-Bush-Removal-and-Mounting-Tool-/191568062062?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ3&hash=item2c9a58a66e
 
Ta, before I buy, any one want to post one to me (I'll obviously pay the costs) or does anyone in Hampshire/Wiltshire have one I can collect and drop back?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom