Front swaybar end links hitting struts?

[m3f_mauromj]

I just recently put my front subframe back under my M3 after replacing all the bushings and ball joints. Now at full lock, the front sway bar end link is making contact with the wire/cable mount on the strut.


Green arrow indicates where the contact is happening. (Both sides)


Anyone have the same issue?! I don't understand what I am doing wrong!


BTW, this is a pic off of Google images. Its not my car. I have all stock M3 components.

[m3f_mauromj]

This is where it gets strange.


One strut is marked left, but the cable/wire mount is welded onto it such that it belongs on the right (driver side) (2 holes - brake pad wear sensor, and brake line).


The other strut is marked right, but the cable/wire mount is welded onto it such that it belongs on the left (passenger side) (3 holes - brake pad wear sensor, ABS, and brake line).


So I guess the question is, should the cable/wire mount face on the front of the strut (closest to the front bumper in terms of direction), or on the back of the strut (closest to the back bumper in terms of direction.


Currently, I have it such that it faces back (like i the pic). This is how I have seen every car setup online.


If this is correct, it sounds like AST welded on the tab mounts on the wrong sides and I have the struts mounted on the wrong sides.

[m3f_Braymond141]

Are you messing up left and right? Left is drivers side and vice-versa.


Google E36 struts to better help yourself.

[m3f_LockDots]

The tabs should be facing the rear of the car.

[m3f_mauromj]

The tabs should be facing the rear of the car.

This is how they are, but they are hitting at full lock?!



I have the car on jack stands, maybe with a load applied, they will clear?

[m3f_LockDots]

This is how they are, but they are hitting at full lock?!



I have the car on jack stands, maybe with a load applied, they will clear?

It's possible. The angle of the suspension system is changed while up in the air. It's also possible your tabs are bent.

[m3f_jayjaya29]

Bend the cable/wire mount a bit to clear the endlink.