Strut tower problems??

[MattBimmer]

I drove my 318is for the first time in quite a while today and it sound like there was a pissed off gerbil or something in the back near the back speaker. It was a nasty squeak and rattling kind of noise. I THINK it would be the strut tower possible wiggling around. Is this a serious problem or am I okay to drive around if I can deal with the angry gerbil.

[E30_fiend]

It's ok to drive for a little while but you should definitely get it fixed. Your problem is your rear shock mounts. When they go bad, they make a sound that is exactly as you describe.

Get some e46 convertable rear shock mounts. Beefier and last longer. If you don't want to do that, then get some lifetime mounts from meyle


Taylor

[MattBimmer]

Thanks Taylor. I don't know a lot about DIY yet, but would I have to remove the entire shock to replace the mount, or can it be done from the top side of the shock?

If the whole shock has to come I will just wait to upgrade shocks and springs ;) ;) ;)

Any thoughts on good shocks and springs sub 1000 dollars?

[kamotors]

Bilstien sport shocks and H&r sport springs are a great combo for a sporty daily driver.

[E30_fiend]

Exactly.

And as for the replacement, you will need to at least take the wheel off. Then loosen the two nuts holding the mount into the tower. Then take the shock nut off. And with the wheel off, compress the shock and pull the mount off. Replace with the new one and do the reverse.

Pretty easy mang. Good luck


Taylor

[MattBimmer]

To compress the shock while the wheel off do I need a special tool? Or just a big guy with a lot of muscle lol. My shocks are practically gone if that's any help. I only weigh 130 and I can push the bumper and get it to move a whole lot. I just figure replacing the mount would be best as I am out of cash a the moment