RTABS (i searched...)

[Matthew C Smith]

Originally Posted by chandler

that site gives me the creeps. They legit?

Yep, I just ordered a reverse light switch and belt set from them last week.

They are a legitimate business.

[chandler]

Originally Posted by Fraser

To tell if they are shot, while exiting a sharper corner and getting on the power, the rear end will feel loose, like it is about ready to kick out.

That being sad, TC Kline's RTAB's are top notch. Did you change the front control arm bushings? They usually wear faster than the rear. The combination of the two is really a nice, very noticeable improvement in stability, snap and bite in the corners, especially in an e36.

Gawd D*mn WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! Just installed them and did another alignment and all i can say is WOW. Very happy. Feels like a new car

[PBR]

thanks for the info!

[Batman]

Does anyone have pictures of the powerflex bushings installed on the front control arms of their e36 m3?

I just installed the RTB, the diff mount bushings, and the front control arms/bushings...like Chandler said, it feels like a new car now. Very solid (in a good way). I don't think it's too loud either.

If you can't post pictures on here, you can email them to me. Just pm me.

Thanks

By the way PBR, I'M Batman!

[Matthew C Smith]

I've never heard good things about powerflex polyurethane front control arm bushings. From what I've heard, they tend to fall apart after VERY few miles, especially if the car is driven hard.

I personally would not use them.

[RacerJames666]

I have a strange one!
Creaking noise when I get out of the car ie. when i swivel legs out(vaders) and stand, the weight release brings a creaking sound, but no such noise when im driving and hit a bump or even a minor compression in the road. Also a small(very small) amount of play on left rear wheel when I grab wheel and shake firmly, and the creak comes in ever so slightly......so
TAB's?
Bearing?
Both?
Dont think its the strut tower bushes, no creak under susp. compression.
Thank yew to all who ponder such mysteries!
JP

[villlein]

shouldnt be tabs or bearings. TABs just get sloshy and soft in the corners over time before they get too noisy, I wouldn't expect being able to hear soft rubber.. . Bearings make more of a clunking, knocking while driving....somebody posted about bearings recently.

Well I guess it also depends on if you have polyurethane bushing or not too... they could be prone to squeaking eventually.

Have you done any suspension modification? Some people forget to replace the spring pads... or just throw them away when they change springs/shocks.



On a side note, has anybody had experience with the uuc rtabs?

[RacerJames666]

im still kind of fetting through the car, not sure what all has been replaced,it has little bits of uuc stuff and active autowerks stickers around engine bay, may just be the CAI... could be polys on their way out or underlubed. definatley strange sound, handling still pretty sharp, although new probably a whole other world. 98k miles, time to change anyways I guess

[jdm-e36]

what exactly are RTABS and RSM? im new to the M3 world. everyone makes it sound like its something i need to replace on a 120k mile car.

[Matthew C Smith]

Originally Posted by RacerJames666

I have a strange one!
Creaking noise when I get out of the car ie. when i swivel legs out(vaders) and stand, the weight release brings a creaking sound, but no such noise when im driving and hit a bump or even a minor compression in the road. Also a small(very small) amount of play on left rear wheel when I grab wheel and shake firmly, and the creak comes in ever so slightly......so
TAB's?
Bearing?
Both?
Dont think its the strut tower bushes, no creak under susp. compression.
Thank yew to all who ponder such mysteries!
JP

Could also be a not fully engaged parking brake if you are setting it.

[Matthew C Smith]

Originally Posted by jdm-e36

what exactly are RTABS and RSM? im new to the M3 world. everyone makes it sound like its something i need to replace on a 120k mile car.

RSM = Rear Shock Mount

Here is my page for a replacement procedure. It has a few pictures.
MCS - Modification Tutorials: e46 M3 Rear Shock Mount Retrofit

RTAB = Rear Trailing Arm Bushing

Again, my page... along with some other subframe work.
MCS - Modification Tutorials: Rear Trailing Arm Bushings with Reinforcers


On a car with that many miles, if the RSM's have not been replaced they should be in my opinion.

As far as the RTAB's, it really depends on the type of driving you intend to do as well as how you choose to maintain the vehicle. I personally would change them.

[jdm-e36]

Originally Posted by Matthew C Smith

RSM = Rear Shock Mount

Here is my page for a replacement procedure. It has a few pictures.
MCS - Modification Tutorials: e46 M3 Rear Shock Mount Retrofit

RTAB = Rear Trailing Arm Bushing

Again, my page... along with some other subframe work.
MCS - Modification Tutorials: Rear Trailing Arm Bushings with Reinforcers


On a car with that many miles, if the RSM's have not been replaced they should be in my opinion.

As far as the RTAB's, it really depends on the type of driving you intend to do as well as how you choose to maintain the vehicle. I personally would change them.

thanks bro

[RacerJames666]

thought of the e-brake scenario...no dice, BUT on the lift, whilst pushing rears up, more movement around top of shock than needs be. Bingo.....RSM's on the way out. time for the tapered ones
BTW, Thanks for all yous guyses help. You all be the shizzle

[bimmerbill]

Originally Posted by RacerJames666

I have a strange one!
Creaking noise when I get out of the car ie. when i swivel legs out(vaders) and stand, the weight release brings a creaking sound, but no such noise when im driving and hit a bump or even a minor compression in the road. Also a small(very small) amount of play on left rear wheel when I grab wheel and shake firmly, and the creak comes in ever so slightly......so
TAB's?
Bearing?
Both?
Dont think its the strut tower bushes, no creak under susp. compression.
Thank yew to all who ponder such mysteries!
JP

it's your e-brake shoes, my car does the same. try just leaving your car in gear and get in and out to make sure.

[RacerJames666]

so that was the deal alright. Ebrake shoes grumble, but still play in rear wheel(suspension...could see play in the rear just below tower bushes when up in the lift). Thanks guys, I feel like an asshole.....again
PEACE!
JP