BMW E46 Rear Springs Breaking: Cause and Replacement
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Why do E46 rear springs keep breaking?
The spring usually breaks at the lower end, where the wire thins out on the last coil. Sand wears away the coating, after which rust thins the steel. Whether this is a design fault is a matter of disagreement: mileage and driving conditions have a big effect.
How do you notice a broken rear spring?
A broken spring does not necessarily rattle and is not easy to notice. The car may pass the annual inspection. A symptom can be reduced grip, so if you suspect a fault, check the springs by removing them.
Is a spring compressor needed to replace an E46 rear spring?
It is not needed. Disconnect the lower end of the shock absorber and push the control arm or hub down with a jack, and the spring comes out. Fit the new spring lower end first and the upper end after that. Replacing two springs takes about 30 min when the bolts come off easily.
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