Author Topic: Advice: Front Upper Strut Tower Bearing (Read 4057 times)

sqlpython · « **on:** May 10, 2011, 05:11:28 PM »

93 E36 BMW 318i 4dr std suspension

OK, we have arrived at 106,000 miles and the Front Struts are really soft..sometimes skips sideways.
I have installed new KYB rears and I am looking to install OEM KYB struts in the front.
I have a line on some at $103 each.
..I haven't installed a strut in 30 yrs but it all looks the same in the DYI instructions that I have read.
.. My question is regard to Front Upper Strut Tower Bearing...
How necessary at 106k are they?.. How to test/check wear? Do they require any packing attention as do Wheel Bearings? The last question seems to be No... but it doesn't hurt to ask..
.//

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2011, 07:09:04 PM »

I pull them out, spin them to see if they have rough spots or are excessively loose. If they pass those tests, I repack them with a bit of moly grease & back in they go.

monty23psk · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2011, 09:36:22 PM »

Dave is correct, but with high mileage, my mentality is replace it while in there. It would suck that your new shocks can go another 100K but then the bearings go before and you have to do all that work. You don't want to damage ball joints boots in the removal to save money on new parts. If the parts are expensive, I would reconsider, but they are cheap new if you stay with OEM bearings, not adjustable or offset.

sqlpython · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:11:32 PM »

Ok, Thanks Guys.
I can get OEM bearings for $31 a tower so I guess for that price it is worth not to have to pull them again any time soon.

sqlpython · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:15:01 PM »

One more question....
During the week I get home in the dark. So, it makes it difficult to assess the front end before the WeekEnd. Where can I get a E36 std suspension Front end schmatic/diagram..
I am assuming there is not a Shock-Type Dampener in the Steering system that I should look to in parts.. Yes/No?

woof132 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2011, 12:49:56 PM »

realoem.com is a fantastic resource for BMW schematics and diagrams. all factory diagrams can be found there. it will surely have those for the e36.

I agree with replacing the front strut bearings. When I did mine, I opted to just clean and re-grease them. worked okay for a good few months, but soon enough they just needed replacing

woof132 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2011, 09:01:32 PM »

one way to test them is to raise the front of the car, pull the wheel off, disconnect the tie rod from the strut assembly and see how freely you can then turn the strut assembly. it should turn very freely.