e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

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rc944
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e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

Post by rc944 » Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:11 pm

Finally got around to replacing the rear shock after getting a replacement pair sent to me from fmw following a warranty claim. only one was weeping but i sent both back and got 2 shiny new ones

rear shocks are v easy to replace but theres a few things to be mindful of

- piston nut is single use nyloc-style nut so just order new ones when getting your top mounts, washers, gaskets etc
- i replaced top mount nuts but they are not single use
- clean up the top mount fixing point in the wheel arch; it will be grubby and scabby potentially. good time to take stock of arch rust
- take a pic of the correct assembly before assembling the new strut - its easy to get stuff in the wrong order or wrong way around ie concave washer etc
- to minimise the rod rust issue i wiped them down with meths before applying a section of insulation tape where the threaded section begins as its here where the rust occurs as water is retained between the bump stop and rod; it may make the problem worse or it may help but i will monitor regularly
- there are 2 potential torque settings for the top mount nuts depending on the bolts used in the top mount
- torque up the piston nut before installing
- torque up top mount nuts in situ but needs a 1/4 drive ratchet capable of torquing to 30
- breaker bar to crack open the lower retaining bolt and the torque up to 100 on reassembly - no need to use new bolt
- youll have good access to springs and brake pipe section and union etc so have a good poke around
- i have a parts cleaner so cleaned the bump stop/dust boot and washers etc before reassembling, i coated the boot with wd40 inside and out and also within the stop to drive out moisture

remarkable how different the rear end feels with the new mounts. much more stable and planted.

good luck
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

rc944
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Re: e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

Post by rc944 » Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:14 pm

some pics
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IMG_20210306_1055043.jpg (1.69 MiB) Viewed 696 times
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IMG_20201031_1421174.jpg (2.87 MiB) Viewed 696 times
IMG_20210306_1055124.jpg
IMG_20210306_1055124.jpg (1.3 MiB) Viewed 696 times
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

rc944
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Re: e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

Post by rc944 » Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:17 pm

you can see the persuader in the top pic. the wheel was stuck to hub so it was encouraged off.

i buzzed the mating surface of the wheel and the disc rotor and a smear of the copper greaser on the flange that the wheel locates onto
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

Yad3100
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Re: e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

Post by Yad3100 » Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:07 pm

Rogue engineering do a top mount that is bolted to the shell from underneath and therefore can be removed in entirety without removing the interior. It’s a good option for long term maintenance accessibility. I’ve used them twice, e36 track car and e30 touring, the latter is very difficult to access so only ever wanted to do it once.
Adam
Alpina XD3 #193
Alpina C2 2.7 #0525
E36 M3 Saloon
E30 track car M52

Previous
BMW - E30 325sport x2, 318is, 325 touring, E36 Coupe 318is, M3, E46 M3, E92 M3, E82 123d, F30 335d, F22 M240
Ford - Capri 2.0x2, 2.8x3, 3000gxl, RS3100, RS Cosworth Sierra 3dr, Cosworth Sapphire & Escort 4wd, RS2000, RS Focus Mk1 x2 & Mk2, Mondeo V6
Opel Kadette 1.2 S RWD (first car)

Fast3000
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Re: e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

Post by Fast3000 » Fri Mar 12, 2021 6:00 pm

Shocking attention to detail RC :wink:
Current
2004 BMW B3S #156 (Keeper)
2015 BMW 320d F30 ED Sport (70mpg)
Previous
2011, 2016, 2018 - Kia Sportage (Rolls Royce customer care)
2007 BMW Z4M E86 Coupe (Animal)
2006 Audi A4 B7 2.0T (Good car)
2001 VW Golf GTI MK4 (Meh)
1994 Ford Escort 1.6 Zetec (light n dandy)
1992 Fiat Tipo GT (Fun car)
1991 Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia (beefy engine)
1984 Ford Fiesta 1.1L (Audio more expensive then car)

rc944
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Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2013 7:21 pm
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Re: e46 b3s coupe rear shock replacement top tips

Post by rc944 » Mon Mar 15, 2021 2:12 pm

you know how it goes mate. catch up long overdue hope all good
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

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