Shop recommends against installing aftermarket RTABs and RSMs

Jayyyyy · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 01:56:26 PM

I have been calling around asking for quotes from local shops for the coilover install that I have been trying to get done this week. A friend of mine was going to install the C/Os in his garage but I need these in before I travel this weekend and also want my drivetrain related modifications done at a shop.

One of the shops I called is well-known locally, and although I have no personal experience with them, I would listen to their advice closely.

When I mentioned having new RTABs and RSMs ordered for install, they recommended against any aftermarket urethane bushing... which is pretty much all the bushings out there iirc...

They said they would still install it for me, but that I would start having squeaking issues after 20k miles and additional play resulting in poor handling. When I asked them what they recommend, they mentioned that they use an updated M3 bushing with limiters. They apparently use this for all their customer cars and track cars. Can somebody please chime in on this? I don't want to install a part that fails after 20k miles when an updated OEM part will last much longer and reduce vibration and lot more.

jaredhoefsmit@g · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:03:14 PM

My powerflex bushings never made noise and were TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Additional play? WTF!

Sounds like you need another shop there bud.

Jayyyyy · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaredhoefsmit@g

My powerflex bushings never made noise and were TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Additional play? WTF!

Sounds like you need another shop there bud.

Thanks. How about a new set or RSMs? Any experience with those? Dirt and grime contaminating the bushings was also another point they brought up.

jaredhoefsmit@g · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:08:46 PM

Yep, I have RE Vert RSMs.

I have had 0 problems with slight NVH increase.

This, of course, is FAR OUTWEIGHED by the benefits of a much tighter suspension and steering responce (FCABS done as well).

Jayyyyy · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:34:53 PM

Thanks for your answers. I should have purchased the FCABs as well, but that was something I didn't feel like was too urgent.

kt22cliffjumper · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:55:45 PM

You just need to make sure there are plenty of copper based anti-seize on powerflex RTAB. You will probably have to buy more copper based anti-seize b/c what comes with the powerflex package is not enough to cover RTAB.

NPalacioM3 · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 03:03:59 PM

I am sure I know which shop told you this (good guys) and I feel this is their opinion. I have not had any problems with any of my aftermarket bushings or shock mounts as a result of the product itself. If you install the RTAB's with too little grease however.....

Jayyyyy · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 03:07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NPalacioM3

I am sure I know which shop told you this and I feel this is their opinion. I have not had any problems with any of my aftermarket bushings or shock mounts as a result of the product itself. If you install the RTAB's with too little grease however.....

Thanks. That clears things up a bit for me.

A lot of people seem to suggest a liberal amount of grease on the mounts and bushings. I will make sure this is done.

f0rge · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 03:02:06 PM

there are 2 camps on the RTAB front, 1 for poly bushings, 1 for stock bushings with limiters.

poly bushings have a good chance of starting to squeak, limiters and stock bushings not so much.

it's really up to you what you decide, neither are "bad", it just depends what you prefer.

Jayyyyy · Tue, Jan-12-2010, 03:04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f0rge

poly bushings have a good chance of starting to squeak, limiters and stock bushings not so much.

it's really up to you what you decide, neither are "bad", it just depends what you prefer.

What about the performance difference between the two options if any?

Tue, Jan-12-2010, 01:56:26 PM	#1
Jayyyyy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 471 Reputation: 0	Shop recommends against installing aftermarket RTABs and RSMs I have been calling around asking for quotes from local shops for the coilover install that I have been trying to get done this week. A friend of mine was going to install the C/Os in his garage but I need these in before I travel this weekend and also want my drivetrain related modifications done at a shop. One of the shops I called is well-known locally, and although I have no personal experience with them, I would listen to their advice closely. When I mentioned having new RTABs and RSMs ordered for install, they recommended against any aftermarket urethane bushing... which is pretty much all the bushings out there iirc... They said they would still install it for me, but that I would start having squeaking issues after 20k miles and additional play resulting in poor handling. When I asked them what they recommend, they mentioned that they use an updated M3 bushing with limiters. They apparently use this for all their customer cars and track cars. Can somebody please chime in on this? I don't want to install a part that fails after 20k miles when an updated OEM part will last much longer and reduce vibration and lot more. Last edited by Jayyyyy; Tue, Jan-12-2010 at 02:04:22 PM.

Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:55:45 PM	#6
kt22cliffjumper Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 243 In the garage: '05 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: High Bridge, NJ	You just need to make sure there are plenty of copper based anti-seize on powerflex RTAB. You will probably have to buy more copper based anti-seize b/c what comes with the powerflex package is not enough to cover RTAB. __________________ 2005 silver gray \| SMG \| Xenon \| sunroof delete \| manual nappa leather/cloth seats \| TC Kline D/A coilover 450F/500R with TCK camber plates and TCK RSM \| BMW Motorsports 4.10 LSD \| Powerflex RTAB \| Stoptech 4 piston F/R BBK with slotted 2-piece rotors \| BBS RS-GT 18"

Tue, Jan-12-2010, 03:03:59 PM	#7
NPalacioM3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 5,403 In the garage: '03 VanDiemen RF '07 GMC YUKON '06 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Vienna, VA	I am sure I know which shop told you this (good guys) and I feel this is their opinion. I have not had any problems with any of my aftermarket bushings or shock mounts as a result of the product itself. If you install the RTAB's with too little grease however..... __________________ Nick Real race cars don't have roofs or fenders.

Tue, Jan-12-2010, 03:02:06 PM	#9
f0rge Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 275 Reputation: 0 Location: toronto	there are 2 camps on the RTAB front, 1 for poly bushings, 1 for stock bushings with limiters. poly bushings have a good chance of starting to squeak, limiters and stock bushings not so much. it's really up to you what you decide, neither are "bad", it just depends what you prefer. __________________ 2004 M3 6spd - Alpine White 19" ZCP rims, TC Kline D/A 600F/650R, Hotchkis Sways, TFX Xenon projectors

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Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:03:14 PM	#2
jaredhoefsmit@g Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 427 Reputation: 0 Location: Manahawkin	My powerflex bushings never made noise and were TOTALLY WORTH IT! Additional play? WTF! Sounds like you need another shop there bud.

Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:08:46 PM	#4
jaredhoefsmit@g Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 427 Reputation: 0 Location: Manahawkin	Yep, I have RE Vert RSMs. I have had 0 problems with slight NVH increase. This, of course, is FAR OUTWEIGHED by the benefits of a much tighter suspension and steering responce (FCABS done as well).

Tue, Jan-12-2010, 02:34:53 PM	#5
Jayyyyy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 471 Reputation: 0	Thanks for your answers. I should have purchased the FCABs as well, but that was something I didn't feel like was too urgent.