What are these "dog bones" in the rear suspension for?

I got to lookin and found these to be sloppy loose.
Also noticed both rear tires have severe inner tread wear.

i think you mean the sway bar link, $12.95 each at bavauto.


http://www.bavauto.com/assets/imglib500/33551126932.jpg

well there are the sway links and the rear pitman arms. the pitman arms are more commonly referred to as dogbones. they look like the rear sway links with a shorter mid section.

-Jeff

well there are the sway links and the rear pitman arms. the pitman arms are more commonly referred to as dogbones. they look like the rear sway links with a shorter mid section.

-Jeff


yes, pittman arms

they are completely shot/loose

would this be the major cause for the inner tire wear and perhaps cause the rear axle area to squeal when making a right turn?

probably. i think the rear pitman arm is a major connection for the trailing arm to the rear subframe. Id replace them, especially if you plan to upgrade suspension. Id would do them, and rear sway links. They arent too bad to change from what i hear.

-Jeff

If the rubber in the pitman arms is shot, I'd check the trailing arm bushings also. The dogbones are to dampen any rear end steering so it's not as "tail happy".


"Dogbones", $33 at Steve H. and AutoHausAZ:
https://www.autohausaz.com/secure/PartImages/33321126476.jpg

thanks guys.

yea.. the rubber in the bones are GONE.

They are rattle loose.


I got a feeling I've got a complete suspension overhaul ahead of me.. along with pads/rotors, bearings all around.

This beast feels like an old caddilac on the road and I know that's just not right.

jbd, seen your "wolfie" thread. You've def. put alot of work in that.. can def. respect the efforts you've put into it.

yes, pittman arms

they are completely shot/loose

would this be the major cause for the inner tire wear and perhaps cause the rear axle area to squeal when making a right turn?

The squeal might be from the rear subframe bushings, give those a look also.

This will give you an idea of what is involved in a front end rebuild, bookmark it:

Steering and suspension:
http://aaron.aussiefiverdriver.com/Front%20End%20Rebuild.htm

Upper thrust arms:
http://aaron.aussiefiverdriver.com/Control%20Arms.htm

thanks CW6er


Good links!


I've also found a Hayes .pdf manual online

http://www.acrobatfiles.com/bmw/136-4108-pdf.html


simple, easy, FREE registration and you can download it.

Havnt had much time to browse it, but it's for e30 and e28's

Hayes isnt the greatest publisher IMO, but cant argue for the price.. think a couple chapters are missin in that pdf, but there's plenty in it.


That squeal I hear sounds directly related to left rear wheel movement when making a right turn... not sure what exactly is causing it, but from the looks of the pittman arms, I'm bettin' everything is going bad back there and prolly up front too.

She's def. got a lot of work to have done, but I feel fortunate I found a clean and almost rust free body w/decent interior.


Thanks to all for taking time to help me thru all this.. I've pretty much got the E36 figured out.. but these e24's are an entirely different animal.. lol

thanks guys.

yea.. the rubber in the bones are GONE.

They are rattle loose.


I got a feeling I've got a complete suspension overhaul ahead of me.. along with pads/rotors, bearings all around.

This beast feels like an old caddilac on the road and I know that's just not right.

jbd, seen your "wolfie" thread. You've def. put alot of work in that.. can def. respect the efforts you've put into it.

Thanks man, its been quite the ride so far. Im about 1/3 of the way done on suspension. If your going to tear apart the rear suspension, you should look at doing subframe bushings like chris said. They are kind of a pain, but there is a tool of some sort that makes it easier. It will help with the ass end tracking issues these cars can have.

-Jeff

Your best bet for a repair manual is the Bentley 5 Series '82 to '88 manual, $37 at Amazon.com. It's much more comprehensive then the Haynes, but like you say, you can't beat the price for the Haynes!! You've got the ETM PDF files, right?

Got the ETM pdf files a few days ago. Thanks!


We do have a local independant BMW shop in KC.

I bet they wouldnt charge too much if I brought them subframe/suspension parts to have old bushings removed and new ones installed using their specialty tools... it's when THEY do all the parts removal off the car itself when labor gets so expensive.