rear end link bottm bolt

divadp17 · 02-09-2020, 10:16 PM

Hey guys,

I'm a bit of a dilemma as I'm trying to install rear end links.
There is not enough space for the bottom bolt to come out since it hits the axle hub (see pic). So I ended up cutting the bolt using a dremel. I've searched and found out that shaving off about 4-5 threads on the new bolt will help clear between the axle hub and spindle but I prefer not to go that route.
So I was wonder if by unscrewing the axle nut and the arms, would I be able to pivot the spindle to create more space? The spindle is whats really in the way at this point and about an inch of clearance to get the new bolt through.

M43S7RO · 02-10-2020, 02:04 PM

I went with a shorter, 10.8 grade bolt (oem was 8.8) to install a hotchkiss swaybar with upgraded links. I used threadlocker and have had no issues. Sharing my experience in case you'd like to consider an easier solution.

I didnt think about pulling the spindle off. From what I've read, its a pia, not sure if this is because most of the diys I've read are about replacing bearings.

Ajolives · 02-10-2020, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davitopark

Hey guys,

I'm a bit of a dilemma as I'm trying to install rear end links.
There is not enough space for the bottom bolt to come out since it hits the axle hub (see pic). So I ended up cutting the bolt using a dremel. I've searched and found out that shaving off about 4-5 threads on the new bolt will help clear between the axle hub and spindle but I prefer not to go that route.
So I was wonder if by unscrewing the axle nut and the arms, would I be able to pivot the spindle to create more space? The spindle is whats really in the way at this point and about an inch of clearance to get the new bolt through.

I replaced a half shaft not too long ago. Spindle nut put up a hell of a fight with wheel on and car on the ground - might be next to impossible with the car in the air unless you have pneumatics.

I had the same clearance issue with the trailing arm bolt and grinded down a side of the washer to get it out. New bolt came with a free spinning washer so getting it back on was not a problem. In your case a shorter bolt wouldn't hurt as long as it's relatively the same hardness.

TrueToBMW · 02-11-2020, 05:32 AM

Can someone chime in who's replaced the long OEM bolt with a new shorter bolt, and the specifications/dimensions for the new shorter bolt they used? Where did you buy it?

Thanks

M43S7RO · 02-13-2020, 05:09 PM

OEM is M8 x 45mm long. I believe I went with 40mm length, I had an extra one laying around but cannot find it to confirm. I bought them from a local nut and bolt store.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

Can someone chime in who's replaced the long OEM bolt with a new shorter bolt, and the specifications/dimensions for the new shorter bolt they used? Where did you buy it?

Thanks

N8bmw · 02-14-2020, 11:54 AM

I bought Fall Line rear end links when I installed my rear Hotchkis bar. They actually supplied the shorter bolt.

e9x_m3 · 02-13-2022, 05:20 PM

OEM is M8 x 45 mm.. not sure what the thread pitch is though.. the diagram on realoem.com - https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=33_1411 - shows the spec of the bolt and part number as well.

I bought several 8.8 grade bolts to try out - M8 x 40 mm, M8 x 35 mm, M8 by 30 mm.. not sure the much shorter ones will be long enough but hopefully, the M8 by 40 mm works fine

02-09-2020, 10:16 PM	#1
divadp17 Private First Class 194 Rep 163 Posts Drives: e90 m3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	rear end link bottm bolt Hey guys, I'm a bit of a dilemma as I'm trying to install rear end links. There is not enough space for the bottom bolt to come out since it hits the axle hub (see pic). So I ended up cutting the bolt using a dremel. I've searched and found out that shaving off about 4-5 threads on the new bolt will help clear between the axle hub and spindle but I prefer not to go that route. So I was wonder if by unscrewing the axle nut and the arms, would I be able to pivot the spindle to create more space? The spindle is whats really in the way at this point and about an inch of clearance to get the new bolt through. Attached Images __________________ 08 E90 M3 6MT IG: divadp17
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02-10-2020, 02:04 PM	#2
M43S7RO Major 502 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: Jerez Black E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Peoria, AZ iTrader: (13)	I went with a shorter, 10.8 grade bolt (oem was 8.8) to install a hotchkiss swaybar with upgraded links. I used threadlocker and have had no issues. Sharing my experience in case you'd like to consider an easier solution. I didnt think about pulling the spindle off. From what I've read, its a pia, not sure if this is because most of the diys I've read are about replacing bearings. Last edited by M43S7RO; 02-10-2020 at 03:05 PM..
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02-11-2020, 05:32 AM	#4
TrueToBMW ///M 160 Rep 190 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Can someone chime in who's replaced the long OEM bolt with a new shorter bolt, and the specifications/dimensions for the new shorter bolt they used? Where did you buy it? Thanks
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02-14-2020, 11:54 AM	#6
N8bmw bizarreridetotheM3side 35 Rep 77 Posts Drives: Silverstone e90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Eugene, OR iTrader: (0)	I bought Fall Line rear end links when I installed my rear Hotchkis bar. They actually supplied the shorter bolt.
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02-13-2022, 05:20 PM	#7
e9x_m3 Enlisted Member 85 Rep 40 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: BC iTrader: (0)	OEM is M8 x 45 mm.. not sure what the thread pitch is though.. the diagram on realoem.com - https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=33_1411 - shows the spec of the bolt and part number as well. I bought several 8.8 grade bolts to try out - M8 x 40 mm, M8 x 35 mm, M8 by 30 mm.. not sure the much shorter ones will be long enough but hopefully, the M8 by 40 mm works fine Last edited by e9x_m3; 02-14-2022 at 11:04 AM..
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