New rsm's didn't do the job - United Bimmer Community

**SHAHAB323IS** · 09-24-2005, 04:11 PM

yeah i just spent the better part of my day changing the rear shock mounts, i just got back from testiing them out, i still hear a metal on metal sound while going over bumps, anyone( who actually knows what they're talking about) got any other suggestions

**voca** · 09-24-2005, 04:18 PM

sounds like rear subframe mounts to me.

**delmarco** · 09-24-2005, 05:04 PM

did you use the E46 mount heads...
also I had the same issues as you and took my car back to the BMW dealership the same day I got it back after the repairs...what they did was use extra "steel washers" and it did the job...also you can use Z3 reinforcement plates.

BTW did you replace all the compenents of the rear shocks and the rsms?

Also mucho kudos to you for changing your rsms yourself....
that was one job I was not DIYing...

**SHAHAB323IS** · 09-24-2005, 06:41 PM

i only changed the rsm's, i don't think the rsm's are the problem, i'm looking into other reasons right now, if anyone can help let me know

**xsperf** · 09-24-2005, 06:50 PM

you changed them on both sides?

Storamin · 09-24-2005, 06:53 PM

changing the RSMs really isn't a tough job.

i had the same problem as you and changed my RSMs and it did not solve the problem. the problem was that the rear trailing arm bushing had started to come out. the RTABs are also a very common problem on the e36.

a very useful site which will guide you.
http://home.comcast.net/~matthew.c.s...RTAB/index.htm

**Dudesky** · 09-24-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

the problem was that the rear trailing arm bushing had started to come out. the RTABs are also a very common problem on the e36.

a very useful site which will guide you.
http://home.comcast.net/~matthew.c.s...RTAB/index.htm

Only problem with that DIY is that he failed to align the console/bracket (what he refers to as a 'cup') for correct preload . . very important step.

SHAHAB, grab your exhaust tips and move them side to side somewhat forcefully, and see if you hear the noise. I had a problem with my pipes clanging and scraping against the hanger mounts a few months ago. Made me nuts for weeks 'coz it wasn't an obvious thing to check.

**SHAHAB323IS** · 09-24-2005, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky_E36

Only problem with that DIY is that he failed to align the console/bracket (what he refers to as a 'cup') for correct preload . . very important step.

SHAHAB, grab your exhaust tips and move them side to side somewhat forcefully, and see if you hear the noise. I had a problem with my pipes clanging and scraping against the hanger mounts a few months ago. Made me nuts for weeks 'coz it wasn't an obvious thing to check.

i will check that out, and yes i did change them on both sides

**B3M2W5i** · 09-25-2005, 02:15 AM

did you change the gasket?

**delmarco** · 09-25-2005, 08:24 AM

do you only hear the clanging sound when driving over bumps?

**catalyst** · 09-25-2005, 08:49 AM

What kind of clanging is it? does it sound like a rock in a tin can?

**TJsBimm** · 09-25-2005, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalyst

What kind of clanging is it? does it sound like a rock in a tin can?

Ya what is that sound? Sometimes I'll just start rolling and there sounds like a rock rolling around or like the heat sheild is dragging. I look under it and nothings dragging. Then I start driving and it goes away, sounds pretty loud though. I'm also missing a hanger right at the muffler, is that the problem?

nick_318is · 09-25-2005, 01:10 PM

It could be the muffler needing the hanger. My headsheild was loose in the back and vibrating on my muffler at lower reves but when i got going it went away. Now that its back on tight no rattles. Just my suggestion it might solve your problem.

**catalyst** · 09-25-2005, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJsBimm

Ya what is that sound? Sometimes I'll just start rolling and there sounds like a rock rolling around or like the heat sheild is dragging. I look under it and nothings dragging. Then I start driving and it goes away, sounds pretty loud though. I'm also missing a hanger right at the muffler, is that the problem?

yea im thinkin its an exhaust hanger.. or mayber the rotor dust sheilds.. alot of people seem to have this problem, but none can figure out what it is.. all i kno is that is definetly comes from the rear of the car, and im pretty sure its not the RSM's.

Next time my car is on stands (probably next weekend) im gunna go nuts banging on shit to try and replicate the sound.. il let everyone kno if i find out whats doing it.

**Dudesky** · 09-25-2005, 04:40 PM

Here's what was causing my problem back then . . . The catback pipes was missing a hanger, and was off to the side slightly, causing the pipe to scrape against the hanger tab in the middle of the car. But because the pipes resonated the sound throughout the whole exhaust system, it was difficult to pinpoint where the sound was originating from. I could swear it was coming from the rear, but it was actually coming from under the tranny hump. And the noise would only occur over bumps and when making right turns. The exhaust didn't look loose at all, and it was hard to wiggle it around, but I guess the forces are greater when hitting bumps and turning. It sounded like torn metal or the sound when you scrape the threads of a bolt on a metal edge. So I thought it might be a subframe mount, or a rear bushing. Then one day I banged my knee against the tailpipe really hard (ouch), and there was the sound! That's why I say move your pipes around somewhat forcefully, even if you think they're pretty solid.