BMW E90 chassis creak and the creak bracket
The E90 chassis creaks, could the cause be the creak bracket?
Yes. At the outer end of the rear lower control arm there is a bracket where the lower end of the shock absorber attaches, and looseness in it causes creaking. Looseness can be found with a pry bar, and the noise can also be heard when pushing the car down at the boot.
How is the creak bracket replaced?
Replacement requires a special tool. The old bracket comes off with a puller, and the new one goes in easily. Without the tool you need a threaded rod or a long bolt, long nuts, washers and a 50 mm socket. The recommended bolt is strength class 10.9, because a 4.6 or 8.8 can snap.
Does the bracket fit if the hole in the hub is loose?
A loose bracket is the wrong size and should not be used. The outer diameter of the bracket should be 47.3 mm, so measure both the bracket and the hole. The hole can become loose when removing the old part.