Squeaky rear E30

[michael1972]

Ok so I installed new shocks and springs. Still have a lot of squeaking in the back. I'm assumeing its the contol arm and swaybar link bushings. Is there anything that will get rid of it short of replacement. Tryed silicone spray didn't do much. I am going to try some white lithium grease tomorrow. Any ideas?

[jc43089]

Did you get new upper shock mounts? They are usually junk, that probably wouldn't cause squeaking though. Does it squeak if you bounce it while parked?

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[michael1972]

No new shock mounts. Didn't think of it while ordering parts. Kicked myself for that while installing the shocks today. Yea it squeaks when i standon the bumper and bounce it.

[Boris3]

Could be the sway bar but if you didn't change anything here and it didn't squeak before I'd look elsewhere. If poly bushings on the bar some marine grease can help. Are the sway bar end links stock or aftermarket heim joints? The latter can make some noise.

Other things to consider: There is a gasket that goes between the RSM and the underside of the shock tower. No gasket and you can get a squeak. A lot of venders sell them:

http://store.bimmerworld.com/mobile/bmw-e30e36e46-3-series-rear-shock-mount-gaskets-p1933.aspx

Still have the upper and lower rubber spring pads? No pads can cause a squeak some times.

Also you may want the top rear shock reinforcements if you plan on driving it hard. These go on top of the tower and sandwich the sheet metal between the plate and the shock mounts. Something like these:

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/catalog.php?item=67

[michael1972]

It squeaked before I replaced the shocks. Not sure if the links are oe or aftermarket. And don't recall any gaskets. When I disconnected the sway links it was very squeaky while takeing the screw out. Do you think some white lithium spray grease would help? Or am I gonna need to disassemble and slather the marine grease in there?

[Boris3]

Good that it was squeaking before. Helps to narrow things down. Have someone push down on the bumper while you're under the car (or better yet lying down next to the rear) to see if you can pinpoint the location of the noise.

1)

This is a stock link for the rear sways

Stock sway bar bushings are rubber

Spray the lithium and see if it quiets down.

2)

Do you have the rubber spring pads?

3) The paper gasket might have been on your RSM-- they're thin and if old hard to see. They also help to keep the RSM from rusting to the underside of the shock tower.

4) other: jack bolted down in the trunk; spare tire; try pushing on the bumper with the trunk lid open to rule the trunk out; exhaust rubbing?

[Boris3]

If none of the above works next step would be to replace the RSMs like jc43089 suggested.

[michael1972]

Thanks. New question. Seem to have a pretty high idol now. About 1.5-2k. What might cause this?

[Boris3]

If it's steady high think Vacuum leak: check all your vacuum hoses for cracks or loose fits, esp the large bellows hose that runs between the airbox and throttle body. These are known to get cracks in the accordion sections or bottom plug is loose or missing.

If loping between high and low idle check your ICV.

Having fun yet? Once you get it all sorted out you will.

[michael1972]

Went to install a aftermarket cd player...what fresh hell is this.

[B C]

If it's steady high think Vacuum leak: check all your vacuum hoses for cracks or loose fits, esp the large bellows hose that runs between the airbox and throttle body. These are known to get cracks in the accordion sections or bottom plug is loose or missing.

If loping between high and low idle check your ICV.

Having fun yet? Once you get it all sorted out you will.

This

Also make sure the throttle cable isnt adjusted wrong, binding up, or that the throttle stop hasnt been adjusted to keep it from closing all the way

[jc43089]

Does the high idle happen all of the time? I had a high intermittent idle when the engine was warmed up due to a loose connection for the ecu engine temp sensor, it thought the engine was cold and tried to compensate.

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