Rattle in the back right

hitmachine101 · 07-15-2007, 06:54 PM

Hey guys -- got a rattle in the back right, Ive taken the tire off and made sure the brake dust shield isn't the problem... everything is tight back there and we recently changed the tires .. is it possible that it could be a ball bearing going?? i am still new to these cars and id love to hear some opinions

thank you
Kyle E.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Start with checking for anything loose in the trunk then check the rear shock mount, RSM. Then brakes, brake spring clip and sway bar end link.

When does and doesn't it rattle?

hitmachine101 · 07-16-2007, 08:21 AM

It does not rattle when i apply the breaks, there it is quiet

otherwise it rattles every time i go over an imprefection in the road, hole, bump anything -- it is steadly getting louder too

hitmachine101 · 07-16-2007, 08:21 AM

It does not rattle when i apply the breaks, there it is quiet

otherwise it rattles every time i go over an imprefection in the road, hole, bump anything -- it is steadly getting louder too

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

It's more than likely the brakes. I had this recently on my E46. Pull the brakes apart and put anti-squeal on them

grafhky52 · 07-16-2007, 01:36 PM

putting anti squeal on the brakes will do nothing. if it is in the brakes then it would be aftermarket pads that dont fit right, or mounting hardware that is loose. jack up the side of the car that you think it is on and once the wheel is off the ground hit the tire with a hmmer and listen. then remove the tire and pull and tap on things and see if you can hear it.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

His may not be the brakes but mine was. I had used anti-seize to lube them and after a couple of years it had worn off. Next time, on this car, I will use anti-squeal.

I did a lot of jacking and banging on stuff because it sounded like an exhaust shield or some other thin metal rattling. My final clue was that it would not rattle over my test surface when the brakes were applied.

hitmachine101 · 07-22-2007, 11:02 AM

alright well ill try the anti-squeal -- whats the brand name of the product and where do i apply it on the capilaries? I agree that its the breaks because of the test surface and the breaking action when the sound isnt present

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

An auto parts store should sell several types of anti-squeal. Some are spray on and some go on like wood glue.

They have instructions but basically they go on the back of the pad.

dfrost · 07-24-2007, 01:24 PM

Jeron mentioned the rear shock mounts (RSM) in his first reply.

I had a rattle from the trunk when my Ground Control RSM's were too tight - easily fixed with that design. And if you're using stock-type RSM's, definitely look at those as a possible culprit.

hitmachine101 · 08-07-2007, 08:25 PM

hey guys -- the rattle was the rear right shock mount, took the old one out of there and the inner metal lining literally fell apart in my hands. That took care of about 95 % of the rattle and my guess is that the rest of it is from the lack of anti-squeal that i have not put on the breaks yet

Car rides amazing now and that annoying sound is gone -- thanks for the tips

Sarc · 07-25-2008, 04:49 AM

Could you tell me how you replaced this mount? I suspect I have the same problem as well.

Thanks in advance.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Some of these steps vary slightly by model. Like taking out the rear speakers may not be necessary. Its a very easy job if you have the proper tools.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-62-Rear-Shock-Mounts/101-Projects-62-Rear-Shock-Mounts.htm

Sarc · 07-25-2008, 07:08 AM

Thanks Jeron.

I noticed in the article it mentions using the E46 mounts w/ the Z3 plates. Looking on the parts guide for my car (91 M42), it recommends using the mounts for the E30 convertibles w/ the Z3 plate.

Any thoughts/opinions to which one would work better?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Last I checked the E46 M3 part was the stiffest. You can get aftermarket parts that are stiffer, urethane. Backing plates wont hurt but are mostly for modified suspensions and track cars but they could help if you have very rough roads. There are aftermarket backing plates.

I know E36 and E46 RSM's are interchangeable but I cant say the E30's are for certain.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

Last I checked the E46 M3 part was the stiffest. You can get aftermarket parts that are stiffer, urethane. Backing plates wont hurt but are mostly for modified suspensions and track cars but they could help if you have very rough roads. There are aftermarket backing plates.

I know E36 and E46 RSM's are interchangeable but I cant say the E30's are for certain.