QUESTION ON ACCESSING REAR SHOCK MOUNTS
 

Hope some one can help.

While driving my car I noticed a loud chirping sound from the rear of the car, at first could not find it, today it sounded louder and I decided to do some research. I believe that my sqeaks are comming from the rear DRIVER SIDE shock mount. Can any one tell me how to access these thru hatch?

I cant seem to find an access point in the hatch area and dont want to rip any of the covers on the sides.

I also hope that this fix will also address the tire rub I have on that side. I am also going to add rear spring pads 15mm in the hopes that with a full car I wont have any tire rub. has any body done this and is it easy to do?

Any special tools required?

This is what I plan on getting any advice?

Rogue Engineering 3 Series Rear Shock Mounts:

http://store.bimmerworld.com/shared/...unt2=101447701


Rear Spring Pads:

http://store.bimmerworld.com/shared/...unt2=101447701

any advice on better or less expensive products appreciated.

But My main desire is for some one to tell me how to take those Carpeted side panels off so I can get at the shock mounts.

thanks,

ACE

take off rear light backing, and speaker cover. dont even think you need to that. its really easy though. pull off the shocker before spending $$$'s on reinforced shock mounts. test the smoothness of shock and check the top mount for cracks in the rubber. btw, some e46 m3 mounts with z3 reinforcers will save you a lot of money.

Pull the covers down (from the speaker shelf) then out (away from the side of the car).

If you have a CD changer, you should be able to still reach them without removing the bracket.

There is also a tab on the carpet that sits over a bolt underneath part of the seat. Fold the seat forward, and from the top of the remaining 8" of seat, pull away and slightly up from the rear. The tab is near the bottom 1/3.

It's basically been beaten to death already.

• Remove Taillight Bulb Housing
• (Possibly remove cargo storage bins?)
• Fold seats forward
• Remove the deck (it's just easier to work)
• Unscrew the one nut on the light housing if your carpet is under it
• gently pry the carpet from under the plastic where the speaker is
• Wiggle the last piece from underneath the seat bolster (this one is a pain, just try to work your fingers underneath the bolster and carpetting)

Nope, they can stay.

But, I forgot to mention that the strut tower is located underneath a piece of black EPS foam.

I did everything you told me, except for the side with gas release cable. I couldnt figure out how to get it out from under the small back rest and also unhook the gas release.

I took my English friends advice( THANKS COSMOS) and checked the top mount for craks, didnt see any ,tightend the shock nut about half a turn. Drove it, no creeks, or squeals, the steering doesnt shake at certain speeds and the rubbing has ALMOST disapeared. CAN IT REALLY BE THAT SIMPLE!!!!

If I tighten that bolt a little more do you think the rubbing will disapear all together what about locktite on the shock bolt is that a good Idea?

Thanks to all of you for the quick response.

looking forward to your comments.

Oh right, the emergency gas door release. The "knob-pull" part of the cable is removable. If you look closely at it, it simply pops off if you kind of twist at it.