Confused!

[Mazza]

I have been reading all the various threads on the forum relating to rear end removal of beam and axle to replace all bushes, springs etc, but I am now a bit confused.
I have a picture of my cars beam bush,( when doing the sills) and one taken from the forum.
The beam bush on mine shows a space above the bush ( and is the same on both sides), and on the other picture shows a space below. Which is correct and why would there be a space?

I am definitely up for doing this but before proceeding I need to be clear of how it all goes together, and what are the best replacement components to use.
It is also fairly obvious that in taking this on, it’s worth renewing all the parts that normally are difficult to get to.
So that in mind, assuming all the back end is out, if the petrol tank is supported from underneath, is it possible to remove the two straps?? For either refurb or use as templates to get new ones made in stainless steel.

I’m thinking of replacing the following parts
All rear end bushes
Stabiliser Bar Link
Springs
Shocks and top mounts
Brake flexi pipes
Discs and pads
Handbrake cable
Plus replacing all nuts bolts and washers with stainless steel ones. ( assuming that there is not a problem in doing this....Tensile strength issues?)

If anyone can recommend parts for any of the above I would be grateful as I aim to start buying all the parts fairly soon and then I can plan the job once I have everything. I am only looking to set the car up for comfort and cruising, not screaming it at Mach 2 round a circuit on track days

The whole job, ( and I might be being a bit naive on this), providing you follow the sequence of removal, seems to be more ‘meccano’ than engineering.
What is also really helpful, is that in all the threads on here, there are numerous tips and advice which would appear to cover pretty much all the problems you would encounter in doing this refurb.

Any help and advice gratefully received
Thanks

 

[jonco]

This pic shows mine - which as far as I know is original assembly - seems to agree with yours

!

 

[Jjim]

Watching with interest.

 

[t-tony]

Where the bush sits at the bottom like these it shows the bushes have had it. The beam should be supported above the bottom plate hence there should be a gap. Going over a harsh bump at speed you will get a knock from this.

Tony.

 

[Jjim]

Ahhh that’ll explain my noises for me.

 

[Mazza]

Where the bush sits at the bottom like these it shows the bushes have had it. The beam should be supported above the bottom plate hence there should be a gap. Going over a harsh bump at speed you will get a knock from this.

Tony.

So is this an automatic MOT fail ?

Sorry I am being really thick....
Assuming new bushes installed in the beam, the beam pushed back in place up to the upper stop on the studs
, what actually stops it from dropping, as the M14 nut is under the bottom plate

 

[5harp3y]

Few things to taking account .

Don't replace the rear hardware with stainless. They are all high torque / big boy bits. Stick with new oem if you want to refresh ( I did )

For bushings you need to decide if you are going for polybushes or rubber .

I can't advise on rubber as I did mostly polybushes

Rear trailing arms = powerflex
Diff bush = powerflex
Rear beam bushes = Revshift 12mm raising kit ( reduces rear camber for lowered cars)
Rear Arb = BMW
Dogbones = Meyle HD

Handbrake cables from eurocar parts

What stops the beam from dropping is the massive bolt anf nut holding it along with the bottom plate.

Not to mention it's attached to the diff casing and shocks

 

[t-tony]

So is this an automatic MOT fail ?

Not unless there is excessive "free" movement.

Tony.

 

[Lee]

Totally agree with the above. The bushes are shot so they are sagging or torn. Depending on brand depends on how they sit.

The beam should sit pretty central once replaced.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Back to the original question about the beam bushings.

The difference is that your bushings are old and saggy, whereas with new bushings the beam is held up and off the bottom plate. I noticed this difference when I change the bushings on Mora.

 

[Mazza]

Thanks to all for info.
Looks like the rebuild will have to be done sooner than later.

Better get on with locating all the parts.
@5harp3y mentioned a 12mm raising kit for the Rear Beam bushes but do I need this if using standard springs?

 

[t-tony]

Thanks to all for info.
Looks like the rebuild will have to be done sooner than later.

Better get on with locating all the parts.
@5harp3y mentioned a 12mm raising kit for the Rear Beam bushes but do I need this if using standard springs?

No mate, not if you're going to leave it standard.

Tony.

 

[Mazza]

I don’t know enough about lowering suspension, changing camber, or, and I only just read about these, eccentric trailing arm bushes, to start changing anything like that. For me, that would be a recipe for disaster.
If it is just standard like for like swapping tired worn parts for new ones then I should be ok as that would be the extent on my knowledge.

And at least that should improve the ride from what I have now.

 

[t-tony]

And at least that should improve the ride from what I have now.

Absolutely it will. Things like rubber bushes slowly lose their original efficiency over time and when you replace them there's an instant improvement you can't fail to notice, especially combined with new shockers.

Tony.

 

[5harp3y]

Thanks to all for info.
Looks like the rebuild will have to be done sooner than later.

Better get on with locating all the parts.
@5harp3y mentioned a 12mm raising kit for the Rear Beam bushes but do I need this if using standard springs?

If you are staying at standard ride height then no need for the special bushes

 

[Sean d]

I will be doing the rear bean very soon, interesting thread

 

[Mazza]

Right .....been doing a lot of reading on the subject of rubber v poly bushes. ....Basically no definitive answer, just loads of opinions with pros and cons for both.....and ultimately go with what you think is right for you.

I have come to the decision to replace like for like. ie go with rubber ones. My reason for this is it should be a softer ride, quieter, and I can’t see me doing trackdays or going drifting in it.
Meyle or Lemforder seem to be mentioned as being ok parts.
The installation will obviously be a bit harder as I will have to make some sort of press to fit them, or find a local company that can sort for me.
Standard springs and shocks .......can anyone suggest a decent make other than going to BMW?
Discs, pads and brake cables from ECP or SES In Bognor
Flexi pipes Meyle or Febi. (I have seen on this forum, another make that was recommended, and used by a few people, but can’t find it now. )

As @t-tony said this should tighten up the rear end and will last long enough
that I won’t ever have to do it again

 

[the Nefyn cat]

I went for polybushes pretty much everywhere on mine, and don't regret it at all. Only (minor) downside in a year of having them is slightly more noise from the diff, and I do mean slightly. Don't notice it with the roof down, and got used to it with the roof up pretty quickly. Bit of noise to be expected from a car that's no longer in the first flush of youth, I've had a lot worse. Plus side to all the stiffer bushes is a much more chuckable car, if you know what I mean, although I've never driven one with good condition OEM bushes for a comparison.

 

[Mazza]

@the Nefyn cat , 10 minutes ago I knew what I was going to do.........now I’m back to square one..

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Glad to be of assistance.