BMW E36 rear end rattle and rear shock absorber top mount
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E36 rear end rattles over potholes and bumps, what causes it?
The most common cause is the top mount of the rear shock absorber, that is the rubber, which wears and starts to rattle. The mounts and rubbers are replaced with new ones, after which the rattle usually stops.
E36 rear end rattles even though the shock top mounts are fine. What is the fault?
The large front bushing of the lower control arm may be broken. Replacing it fixed the rattle and the handling of the rear end.
What should I check in the E36 rear shock top mount if the rattle returns quickly?
The washer underneath (cup washer) must be in place, because without it the shock absorber moves too much. The parts must be the correct model and fitted the right way round. Commonly used top mounts are the original Lemförder and Meyle HD ones.
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