Problem Installing Rear Shocks on a BMW E90

Sound of Silence · 14-11-2014 5:29pm #1

I just replaced one of the shocks on my E90. The problem is, when I lower the car, the bushing that keeps the shock in place shoots up, despite the fact that I have it fully tightened. Below is a picture.

Here's what it looks like from the wheel basin, if that helps.

I had originally thought that the dust filter, being completely worn out at the time, was the cause of the problem. So, I bought a new dust filter (The one in the picture) but still the problem persists. Any help would be appreciated! (Never installed shocks before, so probably made some stupid mistake!)

jayok · 14-11-2014 8:58pm

Looks to me like you are missing the load bearing washer that's part of the build of the original shock.

corkgsxr · 14-11-2014 9:37pm

Yep the top cap with 3 bolts in it.

Something has to be missing

burke027 · 20-11-2014 11:20pm

Sound of Silence wrote: »

I just replaced one of the shocks on my E90. The problem is, when I lower the car, the bushing that keeps the shock in place shoots up, despite the fact that I have it fully tightened. Below is a picture.

Here's what it looks like from the wheel basin, if that helps.

I had originally thought that the dust filter, being completely worn out at the time, was the cause of the problem. So, I bought a new dust filter (The one in the picture) but still the problem persists. Any help would be appreciated! (Never installed shocks before, so probably made some stupid mistake!)

That's assembled wring my friend have done hundreds of them

JohnBoy26 · 20-11-2014 11:30pm

You probably have it sorted by now but if not why don't you compare it to the shock on the other side to see where you went wrong.

Sound of Silence · 21-11-2014 12:13am

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

You probably have it sorted by now but if not why don't you compare it to the shock on the other side to see where you went wrong.

Yep, got it fixed there! It turns out that the metal 'washers' which you can see near the top of the shocks, which essentially stop them from popping through the boot, were worn out beyond repair.

What confused about the whole thing was that both washers on either side looked equally damaged, but the one on the left was still able to keep the shocks in place. Turns out there was a very small remnant of the washer left that was keeping everything in place. It threw me off completely.

Had to travel down to Portadown to replacements, but everything is dandy now.

Problem Installing Rear Shocks on a BMW E90

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