Rear Trailing Arm Bushing

[cavette]

Guys:

I'm going to replace the Rear Trailing Arm Bushing (RTAB) (BLUE BOX) and was wondering whether it's much more labor to replace the Upper Trailing Arm Balljoint (RED BOX) and the Lower Trailing Arm Bushing (GREEN BOX) as well?

I'm having the RTAB replaced at an indy shop and wondering how much more labor charge to swap out the Upper Balljoint and Lower Bushing too?

[ELCID86]

I've never done the rear balls joints and can't say that I remember anyone mentioning it. I'm betting you'd be good with not doing them. BUT, while your in there... it's worth considering. Get a quote?




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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[slater]

if you have the right tool, you can replace both in about 45min to an hour.

replace both red and green box units with new lemfoerder red box units (so ball joints in the upper and lower position).

i did this about 15 months ago. one of the uppers (red box) had excess play - but it was 11 years old and had 130K miles on it.

[ELCID86]

I have the tool for the RTABs if you are interested.

Peter, can you get to the ball joints without removing arm/subframe?

[anandoc]

As Slater pointed out, you should replace the upper and lower (outer) balljoints with the M3 part (part# 33306852895).

Oh and while you are replacing your RTAB, you should consider the M3 version as well (part# 33326770817) along with RTAB limiters. The limiters help prolong the life of the RTABs and provides you with a tighter rear suspension. I went with the ECS Tuning RTAB limiters.

I got this done in November and it made such a huge difference in the handling of the car.

[slater]

Peter, can you get to the ball joints without removing arm/subframe?

yep, absolutely!

- jack up rear, remove wheels
- disconnect lower shock bolt
- drop hub assembly down and remove rear spring
- disconnect upper control arm at hub
- R+R ball joint
- reconnect upper control arm at hun
- disconnect lower control arm at hub
- R+R lower rubber bushing with new ball joint
- reassemble
- enjoy tighter rear end with better wheel articulation!

[Vas]

That job is on my list of things to accomplish this year. Who's got a tool to rent?

[Karl Lazlo]

That job is on my list of things to accomplish this year. Who's got a tool to rent?

I do. Feel free to PM when you need it.

[Vas]

I do. Feel free to PM when you need it.

Awesome. Thank you for offering.

[slater]

shawn's got one too.