Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2001 22:34:26 -0400 From: "Tom Tice" Subject: Rattle from shock tower - Sway Bar Links? Interesting, my car has the developed the same symptom after a few weeks (and a driver school) with the new Eibachs. It rattles over any small bump - especially one affecting only one side of the car so I was suspecting the sway bar links. This weekend I jacked it up and pushed and pulled on everything in the front suspension but nothing really seems loose. However, if I pound the sway bar with the heel of my hand, I can induce a similar sound. The links appear tight and secure. I understand the front sway bar links are a common item to fail but I thought it would be a catastrophic failure. Is this just the first sign. Any recommendations on an improved replacement? I have seen the plans/instructions by Ben Liaw for building your own on the UUC site (http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/ -click on Tech Tips - then sway bar links) - cost wise is that worth the effort versus buying someone else's pre-assembled? FWIW, my car is a '98 with just over 36K miles. Tom Tice '98 M3/4 '99 540/6 > -----Original Message----- > From: Chris Teague [mailto:cteague@home.com] > Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2001 7:20 PM > To: E36M3 > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Rattle from shock tower > > > Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2001 16:18:56 -0700 > From: "Chris Teague" > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Rattle from shock tower > > A common rattle from the front is the sway bar > links. I was having the front end rattle, even after > tightning the sway bar links. I replaced them last > weekend, and the rattle is gone. I also have a > 97 M3/4, with less that 36K miles. > > If you still think it is the shock tower, check the 3 small > bolts under the hood holding the strut in place, then > see if the shock bolt is loose. > Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2001 22:49:22 -0400 From: "Dave Spragg" Subject: RE: [E36M3] Rattle from shock tower - Sway Bar Links? Try re-torquing the nuts and end link dogbone ones on the front sway. Mine did that after the sway bar install and retorquing fixxed it up but then it happened again. This time I took the bolts out and cleaned them, applied a little locktite and then put a dollop of silicone on each one (track day with street motorcycles trick for drain plug). They have been fine for 10k miles now. Dave Spragg dave@spragg.com Natick, MA 99 M3 Sharked 92 330is Sharked and Supercharged (undergoing surgery)