Installed my RTAB's

[m3f_Sirius]

Well, spent the day at the shop today. Had two objectives, rtabs and an attempt to repair my SSK (failed).



My rtabs were worn and they had to go, so this is how I did it. In case you all try this yourself.



First, the originals, cracked around the center and the rubber was worn out.

[m3f_Sirius]

I tried to get these out last week and gave up due to time constraints. This time I was ready for them. First I took an air chisel to the fronts of them to loosen them up somewhat.

[m3f_Sirius]

I am lucky enough to have access to BMW's special tools, so I gathered the ones I needed for this job. After I took the chisile to the bushings, I attached the extraction tool and pulled them out. I was expecting to have to put up a big fight to get these suckers out, but I didn't have to.



This device looks like a medevil torture device, or something you'll find in Beowoulf's dental office.

[m3f_Sirius]

Another view of the extraction.. I just like the way this tool looks lol.

[m3f_Sirius]

After I extracted the bushing, I wiped the inside of the arm with some shop towles to remove the rust and debries. Next was to install the new bushing. I installed it in the same postion the old ones came out. DO NOT USE LUBE ON THE NEW BUSHING WHEN YOU INSTALL THEM.



This is the other special tool set for this job.

[m3f_Sirius]

Another install pic, installed completely.

[m3f_Sirius]

The whole thing took me about 2 hours since this is the first time I have done this procedure.



My alignement is slightly off now, but one of the guys at work is going to align the car for me on Monday.



As for the SSK, I need a new ERK. Two of the retaining bolts from before broke off and are now stuck in the ERK.

[m3f_kbc8090]

The whole thing took me about 2 hours since this is the first time I have done this procedure.



My alignement is slightly off now, but one of the guys at work is going to align the car for me on Monday.



As for the SSK, I need a new ERK. Two of the retaining bolts from before broke off and are now stuck in the ERK.

can you feel a difference in the way the car handles?

[m3f_Sirius]

can you feel a difference in the way the car handles?

Yes. Much better than before. Side to side movement is gone in the rear now, and it even sounds more solid.

[m3f_SG_M3]

I see my method worked. Nice job Trevor, though bmw tools are cheating