Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[zzyzx85]

what offset would be ideal for a 18x9 wheel up front to run without spacers? have full adjustability with coils, camber plates, etc

IMO I think the offset of stock rear wheel (+26) is perfect for 18x9. I'm on coilovers and ran 255/40 without any spacers.

[ugaexploder]

IMO I think the offset of stock rear wheel (+26) is perfect for 18x9. I'm on coilovers and ran 255/40 without any spacers.

thanks for the suggestion, just ordered another square set of wheels at 18x10, and thinking i might order a set of 18x9 to run them staggered and sell the other staggered set

[jayjaya29]

Do torque marks work for removing and reinstalling a fastener at the same torque?

Why I ask:
I've made a bunch of changes to my ride height. I was thinking it wouldn't hurt to loosen and retorque any non-sperical control arm bushings at the new ride height. The rear upper control arms won't fit a torque wrench with the diff in place now, I was thinking what I just mark it as it's properly torqued now then refasten with a box wrench to the marking.

I would tighten just a little past the existing torque mark just to be sure.

[Tbonem3]

Right otherwise it won't stretch. They need tension.

Or add loctite?

[BRiley]

Dumb question on transmission fluid change. It seems that some websites / DIY's say you need to replace the transmission fill / drain plugs when changing fluid. Is that true? Why not just the crush washer?

[Slideways]

Dumb question on transmission fluid change. It seems that some websites / DIY's say you need to replace the transmission fill / drain plugs when changing fluid. Is that true? Why not just the crush washer?

This is the case for the differential since they have built in o-rings. Transmission plugs are reusable and don't have a sealing ring.

[BRiley]

This is the case for the differential since they have built in o-rings. Transmission plugs are reusable and don't have a sealing ring.

No crush washer then? Thank you so much!

[bmwfnatic]

No crush washer then? Thank you so much!

The ones on older cars had a crush washer, the ones you buy now have a green o-ring.

[IamFODI]

The ones on older cars had a crush washer, the ones you buy now have a green o-ring.

If they have that green O-ring, that means they'd need to be replaced, yeah?

[sbay]

Any ideas on what to use to remove residue from cylinder walls?

[Slideways]

If they have that green O-ring, that means they'd need to be replaced, yeah?

Yes, TIS states to replace the entire plug. I have taken out the o-ring to measure it and it shouldn't be too difficult to find a bag of replacement o-rings.

The older style plugs, which I kept in case I want to revert back, did use a crush washer, but realOEM no longer lists a part number for the crush washer for the E46. You have to go to an older model, like the E31, where they still have it on the diagram funny enough.

[Slideways]

Any ideas on what to use to remove residue from cylinder walls?

WD-40 and scotchbright. Best to put rags in the cylinders to catch any the debris falling into the piston rings.

[sbay]

WD-40 and scotchbright. Best to put rags in the cylinders to catch any the debris falling into the piston rings.

Thank you…just to confirm, we’re talking about this scotchbrite?

[Slideways]

Thank you…just to confirm, we’re talking about this scotchbrite?

Yeah, it will be abrasive enough to remove heavy carbon buildup, but shouldn't remove any material from the iron block. You just don't want any of the fibers or loose carbon getting between the piston and rings. If you are going to leave the block and cylinders exposed for an extended period of time, it is good to spray them with WD-40 to keep moisture out; otherwise, they can start to form surface rust.

[sbay]

Yeah, it will be abrasive enough to remove heavy carbon buildup, but shouldn't remove any material from the iron block. You just don't want any of the fibers or loose carbon getting between the piston and rings. If you are going to leave the block and cylinders exposed for an extended period of time, it is good to spray them with WD-40 to keep moisture out; otherwise, they can start to form surface rust.

Really good video very informative