Coilover RSM Replacement help...

Robbc · 28th July 2012, 03:18

Hello board I need some guidance, Im in my garage and just got finished removing the rear interior parts to access the rear upper shock mounts to replace and I am stuck on what to do next. I followed the DIY below but I am unclear on what to remove next. I have FK coils and just got my new rear shock mounts in the mail with new mounting bolts(3) and I am unclear if I should just undo the bolt that holds the shock to the rear hub and see if that will allow the whole coilover unit to come out or if I need to proceed like an OEM shock/strut assembly and disassemble the "box" of rear links to allow that to happen? I searched but was not able to find a RSM swap only, step by step with coilovers already installed. Let me know if anyone has been through this before or knows what I should do next. Thanks for any tips in advance!

--Robb in his garage

DIY reference link: E39 M5 Rear Suspension Coil Over Install (long and detailed)

josiahg52 · 28th July 2012, 16:57

The issue is that you can probably not compress the shock short enough to remove it without disassembling the "box." Now, if the question is do you actually need to remove it to replace the bolts, I can only say that I did some upper mount work on Koni shocks without removing them from the car altogether. It was not easy.

Robbc · 28th July 2012, 21:46

Ok thanks Josiah, so you removed the inner fender wheel well linings, then unbolted the shock to the rear hub and it was able to slide down enough to compress the shock to swap the mounts if that was all you had to do?

I know you replaced the Konis only so Im just trying to avoid disconnecting any of the rear arms/links if I don't have to just for a shock mount change, but its the same procedure regardless what is changed so I'm think I found my answer- thanks so much for your reply it is appreciated!
--Robb

bimmerule · 28th July 2012, 21:57

what happened to your rear shock mount?

Robbc · 28th July 2012, 22:02

The drivers side left rear mount failed(cracking and visible tearing causing a slightly lower height when then pushed the front end to drive to the right like a bad alignment. I thought it was an aligment but had an indy look at it locally and the alignments was fine they found out it was a bad rear mount. So I ordered 2 to do both sides and when I took it all apart from the top end, it just sat there which prompted me to post as I was unclear which step to take next to remove the coilover assembly out just to swap the upper mount out. Seems like a rare failure from my searches too but I just need to get it swapped out before the weekend ends.

josiahg52 · 29th July 2012, 00:45

I was able to do what I needed by doing as you say: removing the fender liner, etc. but i wouldn't count on being able to compress the shock by any appreciable amount. You may be able to gain some clearance by removing the bottom bolt if you need it.

Basically, I would try removing the bottom bolt and see what that gets you. You're going to have to do this either way if you don't have access to the top mount otherwise.

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Robbc · 29th July 2012, 16:04

Ok thanks Josiah that helps alot I'll get back to it and remove everything and see what I can get to now. I appreciate it man!
--Robb