At some point in the next year or so, I’m planning to drop basically everything from the transmission back and refresh a bunch of stuff. The car has 149k miles on it right now and a lot of it is original, so I want to refresh it. Would love some feedback on what I’m planning to do. Also have some questions at the end of the post.
I want to replace the DMF because some clunkiness, gear rattle, etc. makes me feel like the damping mechanism is wearing out. I figure that’s a good time to refresh the clutch kit, shift bushings, etc.
The original driveshaft has been making the cowbell noise for years. Could grease the splines to take care of it, but given its age I want to just replace it.
Every bushing and joint in the rear suspension, except for the spring perches and RSMs, is most likely original. Time for a refresh. Also, I want solid subframe bushings because I’ve read the NVH/benefit ratio is just that good.
Given the overlaps in labor required for many of these jobs, I’m planning to get them done all at once.
Goals:
With all that in mind, here’s what I want to do as of now:
Brands are largely constrained by FCP Euro's catalog for obvious reasons.
Questions:
Thanks for reading this far. Looking forward to people’s thoughts.
I want to replace the DMF because some clunkiness, gear rattle, etc. makes me feel like the damping mechanism is wearing out. I figure that’s a good time to refresh the clutch kit, shift bushings, etc.
The original driveshaft has been making the cowbell noise for years. Could grease the splines to take care of it, but given its age I want to just replace it.
Every bushing and joint in the rear suspension, except for the spring perches and RSMs, is most likely original. Time for a refresh. Also, I want solid subframe bushings because I’ve read the NVH/benefit ratio is just that good.
Given the overlaps in labor required for many of these jobs, I’m planning to get them done all at once.
Goals:
- Refresh everything that ought to be refreshed
- Improve what I can without significant NVH penalties (this car is a DD, and there’s no aftermarket exhaust to drown out noise)
- Maximize the odds that, once everything’s back together, it won’t have to come apart again for several years and many tens of thousands of miles
With all that in mind, here’s what I want to do as of now:
- Clutch kit (OE LuK)
- Flywheel (OE LuK)
- Clutch slave cylinder (OE FTE)
- Shift kit (Autosolutions – stock throw length with a longer rod)
- Driveshaft (rebuilt OE or aftermarket OE replacement)
- Giubo
- Driveshaft end bushing
- Transmission output shaft seal (current one is weeping slightly)
- Refinished rear subframe (thinking of buying a used one and having it powdercoated or something)
- Diff bushings (OE)
- Solid subframe mount bushings (Revshift)
- All rear suspension arms & bushings (OE Lemförder/TRW/BMW)
- Adjustable rear ARB end links (SPL)
- Rear ARB bushings (BMW)
- All necessary fasteners & gaskets for all of the above + exhaust
Brands are largely constrained by FCP Euro's catalog for obvious reasons.
Questions:
- What other potential wear items are easily replaced while in there for any of this work?
- What might break that I should have spares for in advance?
- Any advice on what kind of coating to go for on the rear subframe? And/or anyone know of a vendor that sells refinished ones?
- CF driveshaft: I really want one, but I think goal #3 precludes it. I’m sure most are fine, but between the sporadic issues people have had and the need to worry about heat shields near the diff flange (either bend, cut, or accept the risk of rubbing), CF seems like it’s not as sure a bet as OE in terms of being painless in the long run. Can anyone change my mind on that?
- Looking at new/rebuilt OE-replacement driveshafts, many (all?) seem to come with serviceable U-joints. It’s my understanding that, for parts like this, serviceability generally comes with a shorter life. Realistically, I’m never going to service the U-joint. Either it lasts long enough that I might as well replace the whole driveshaft when it dies, or it’s so short-lived that I want nothing to do with it. Anyone know of a rebuilder/manufacturer that prioritizes longevity over serviceability?
- Should I do the rear main seal? AFAIK, this is one thing you’re not supposed to fix if it ain’t broke, and I don’t have evidence that mine’s leaking. OTOH, 14 years and 149k miles is getting up there, so maybe it’s worth doing either way…?
Thanks for reading this far. Looking forward to people’s thoughts.
Comment