Dumb Suspension Question

sspade · 09-07-2018, 08:45 PM

In regard to my Bentley manual stating that I must not tighten rear suspension bolts to final torque until car "has been lowered and suspension settled."

While I completely understand that purpose... how does one access all of the bolts once the wheel is back on and car is off jack stands?

What am I missing?

sspade · 09-07-2018, 08:47 PM

About to mate a pair of Bilstein B8's to my AC Schnitzer spring kit.

All fresh fasteners ready to go. Factory mounts will not be replaced on the rear.

zinner · 09-07-2018, 08:48 PM

Put the rear tires on ramps and front on some jack stands as level as possible.. You can reach the bolts on ramps.

sspade · 09-07-2018, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zinner

Put the rear tires on ramps and front on some jack stands as level as possible.. You can reach the bolts on ramps.

Okay, that makes sense. I can manage that. But..

The rear strut mount to body (3 bolts) arent going to be accessible with the tire on from any angle with the tire on, correct?

Assuming those can be torqued to spec without being loaded.

As well as the damper to damper mount bolt (not accessible).

Leaving ONLY the damper to swing arm (LCA) as the sole fastener that should be torqued when suspension is loaded.

jh_f30 · 09-08-2018, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

About to mate a pair of Bilstein B8's to my AC Schnitzer spring kit.

All fresh fasteners ready to go. Factory mounts will not be replaced on the rear.

Looking forward to the review! Been contemplating the upgrade to B8s myself. Also, lemme know how the install goes and if you discover any tips.

the dope steez · 09-08-2018, 02:12 AM

I loaded the suspension by jacking it up with a floor jack and then tightened the bolts

sspade · 09-08-2018, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the dope steez

I loaded the suspension by jacking it up with a floor jack and then tightened the bolts

There we go... good suggestion. This is probably what Ill do and call it a day.

So just jack up under the LCA / swing arm until the shock is half compressed or so?

sspade · 09-08-2018, 10:22 AM

I wish I had the balls to lower the rear subframe and get my M240 (15mm) rear sway bar installed right now. Its so tempting but Im not sure where to start or the exact process... wish there was a way to fish the bar over the frame and under the body but theres no way.

For the life of me, I cant see how some people have lowered subframes on jack stands.

Trying to save myself the $900 I was quoted by Niello BMW for the rear sway bar install.

the dope steez · 09-08-2018, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Quote:

Originally Posted by the dope steez

I loaded the suspension by jacking it up with a floor jack and then tightened the bolts

There we go... good suggestion. This is probably what Ill do and call it a day.

So just jack up under the LCA / swing arm until the shock is half compressed or so?

Yes pretty much.

zinner · 09-08-2018, 04:23 PM

It's more about the bearing carrier to lower control arm alignment and wear than the top shock mount. The upper and lower shock mounts I torqued down with the car in the air. I just lightly snugged up the bearing carrier to lower arm, then on the ramps I tightened only that bolt.

09-07-2018, 08:45 PM	#1
sspade Major General 2466 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	Dumb Suspension Question In regard to my Bentley manual stating that I must not tighten rear suspension bolts to final torque until car "has been lowered and suspension settled." While I completely understand that purpose... how does one access all of the bolts once the wheel is back on and car is off jack stands? What am I missing? Last edited by sspade; 09-07-2018 at 09:33 PM..
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09-07-2018, 08:47 PM	#2
sspade Major General 2466 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	About to mate a pair of Bilstein B8's to my AC Schnitzer spring kit. All fresh fasteners ready to go. Factory mounts will not be replaced on the rear. Attached Images
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09-07-2018, 08:48 PM	#3
zinner Major 559 Rep 1,127 Posts Drives: `17 X5 35d/`15 335i/`18 M550IX Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Put the rear tires on ramps and front on some jack stands as level as possible.. You can reach the bolts on ramps.
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09-08-2018, 02:12 AM	#6
the dope steez Captain 404 Rep 808 Posts Drives: F30 335i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Shredmonton, Illberta iTrader: (0)	I loaded the suspension by jacking it up with a floor jack and then tightened the bolts
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09-08-2018, 10:22 AM	#8
sspade Major General 2466 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	I wish I had the balls to lower the rear subframe and get my M240 (15mm) rear sway bar installed right now. Its so tempting but Im not sure where to start or the exact process... wish there was a way to fish the bar over the frame and under the body but theres no way. For the life of me, I cant see how some people have lowered subframes on jack stands. Trying to save myself the $900 I was quoted by Niello BMW for the rear sway bar install.
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09-08-2018, 04:23 PM	#10
zinner Major 559 Rep 1,127 Posts Drives: `17 X5 35d/`15 335i/`18 M550IX Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	It's more about the bearing carrier to lower control arm alignment and wear than the top shock mount. The upper and lower shock mounts I torqued down with the car in the air. I just lightly snugged up the bearing carrier to lower arm, then on the ramps I tightened only that bolt.
	Appreciate 0 Quote