Suspension question: Broken shock tower???

onefastman · 07-15-2010, 09:27 AM

Noticed some vibration at speed (100mph+). When I looked at it the three bolts that hold the strut in have shifted (camber off). When the dealer looked at it they said the holes were elongated and it was NOT covered under warranty. I have not hit a thing (within the last 6 months any way). The remidy is to cut off the entire shock tower and weld on another.

1. Should they cover it/could I get them to?
2. If not what should I expect to pay (trying to decide if I should make a claim)?

Tallest · 07-15-2010, 09:42 AM

probably its not that difficult a job, just will take time. sourcing a shock tower would be curious... strange they dont cover it. looks like some structural chassis damage. you sure you didnt hit anything??

Express · 07-15-2010, 09:43 AM

IMO, you hit something. that just doesn't happen overnight.

DJKhan85 · 07-15-2010, 09:46 AM

I know one of the holes is elongated but I would think a broken shock tower would be easy to spot when comparing to the other side(or even to a car on their lot).

itsbrokeagain · 07-15-2010, 09:46 AM

those holes are elongated a little from left to right by the factory to allow for camber adjustments. Are they even bigger due to the loose bolts? Or are they fine?

the dealer could be jerking you around if they are not beat up.

If you did suspension work, did you line the pin back up with the hole on that side? This seems to be the most common reason I have seen with the 3 bolts coming loose, as the pin is not in the right spot and the hat doesnt sit flush against the frame of the car, causing it to come loose over time.

onefastman · 07-15-2010, 12:22 PM

I have not done any suspension work, yet. I have JIC waiting to go in so wanted to get this sorted yet.
I have not hit anything that would make me think this damage would have occured. The only thing that it might have been (not likely becuase of the time) was a pot hole that gave me a flat 8-10 months ago. The problem just started.

Also bmw estimates the damage over $10K as they have to replace the full apron and pull the motor to get it done.

Thank god for insurance.

onefastman · 07-15-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJKhan85

I know one of the holes is elongated but I would think a broken shock tower would be easy to spot when comparing to the other side(or even to a car on their lot).

I am aware of this, bmw confirmed that the holes are elongated more than factory.

zsapphire7 · 07-15-2010, 12:51 PM

just because the holes are elongated doesnt mean the tower has failed.... can you post some pics? If theyre elongated, you can just dial in more camber if desired. As long as the tower is structurally stable as in not moving then youre fine.

Kevin@AKMotorwerk · 07-15-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefastman

I am aware of this, bmw confirmed that the holes are elongated more than factory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsapphire7

just because the holes are elongated doesnt mean the tower has failed.... can you post some pics? If theyre elongated, you can just dial in more camber if desired. As long as the tower is structurally stable as in not moving then youre fine.

how elongated are they? you can just use some knurled washers, or knurled nuts to prevent the strut from slipping around once you set your alignment.

mike-y · 07-15-2010, 01:09 PM

I highly doubt the tower needs to be replaced. take some pictures of the "elongated" holes and lets have a look.

The HACK · 07-15-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefastman

I have not done any suspension work, yet. I have JIC waiting to go in so wanted to get this sorted yet.
I have not hit anything that would make me think this damage would have occured. The only thing that it might have been (not likely becuase of the time) was a pot hole that gave me a flat 8-10 months ago. The problem just started.

Also bmw estimates the damage over $10K as they have to replace the full apron and pull the motor to get it done.

Thank god for insurance.

A pothole impact strong enough to damage and deflate a RUN FLAT can potentially do the sort of damage you speak of. Ask me how I know.

And working with an independent mechanic who's my friend and getting industry friendly discounts still amounts to $8,000 worth of work sans any mark-up. So figure $10,000 from the dealership to be a healthy estimate.

SOME PICTURES would go a very long way to determine if the dealership is trying to pull a fast one on you. Some very high res and detailed pictures from various angles.

onefastman · 07-15-2010, 01:47 PM

I will try and get some pics later on, this is actually confirmed by three people (dealer owner whos a friend, shop foreman who is a friend/car club sponsor, and dealer body shop). I will be going to a indy place later on to get another opinion.

dcorn · 07-15-2010, 03:23 PM

Definitely post some pics. I hit a huge pothole recently that gave me a bubble in sidewall of the tire, and according to the dealer bent the strut and knuckle on that corner. Didn't see any strut tower deformation though.

It could happen, although I think you'd notice it. I hit a small curb in my old mustang and it was enough to blowout the sidewall (non-RFT) and bend the camber/caster plate, which was an aftermarket piece made of at least 1/2" steel.

zsapphire7 · 07-15-2010, 03:56 PM

ive thought about purposely elongating the holes a little bit to increase camber adjustment haha... i dont see how elongating a little bit would compromise the structural integrity when were talkign abotu a few mm..

dcorn · 07-15-2010, 04:09 PM

If you elongate the holes, I'd probably get some sort of plate on the top and longer bolts (add the width of the pate) just so there is no danger of anything tearing through for any reason.

07-15-2010, 09:27 AM	#1
onefastman Major General 163 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	Suspension question: Broken shock tower??? Noticed some vibration at speed (100mph+). When I looked at it the three bolts that hold the strut in have shifted (camber off). When the dealer looked at it they said the holes were elongated and it was NOT covered under warranty. I have not hit a thing (within the last 6 months any way). The remidy is to cut off the entire shock tower and weld on another. 1. Should they cover it/could I get them to? 2. If not what should I expect to pay (trying to decide if I should make a claim)? __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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07-15-2010, 09:42 AM	#2
Tallest Major General 1538 Rep 6,403 Posts Drives: 911 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 911 [10.00]	probably its not that difficult a job, just will take time. sourcing a shock tower would be curious... strange they dont cover it. looks like some structural chassis damage. you sure you didnt hit anything?? __________________ 997.2 F30.F11.E86.E90.E90.E36
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07-15-2010, 09:43 AM	#3
Express Major General 380 Rep 8,688 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Promise Land iTrader: (17) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.30]	IMO, you hit something. that just doesn't happen overnight.
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07-15-2010, 09:46 AM	#4
DJKhan85 Major 24 Rep 1,190 Posts Drives: 2011 4dr 6mt Golf GTI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston Massachusetts iTrader: (1)	I know one of the holes is elongated but I would think a broken shock tower would be easy to spot when comparing to the other side(or even to a car on their lot). __________________ 2011 VW GTI 4dr-6mt-Sunroof-Nav-Xenons OLD: 08 335i AW/CR/Poplar 6mt-ZSP-ZPP-ZCW-iPod-iDrive-PDC-Style 230s w/FK 452-Dinan LSD
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07-15-2010, 09:46 AM	#5
itsbrokeagain 311 Rep 15,745 Posts Drives: 1999 528iT, E53 X5, E46 325xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Strong Island iTrader: (7)	those holes are elongated a little from left to right by the factory to allow for camber adjustments. Are they even bigger due to the loose bolts? Or are they fine? the dealer could be jerking you around if they are not beat up. If you did suspension work, did you line the pin back up with the hole on that side? This seems to be the most common reason I have seen with the 3 bolts coming loose, as the pin is not in the right spot and the hat doesnt sit flush against the frame of the car, causing it to come loose over time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2010, 12:22 PM	#6
onefastman Major General 163 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	I have not done any suspension work, yet. I have JIC waiting to go in so wanted to get this sorted yet. I have not hit anything that would make me think this damage would have occured. The only thing that it might have been (not likely becuase of the time) was a pot hole that gave me a flat 8-10 months ago. The problem just started. Also bmw estimates the damage over $10K as they have to replace the full apron and pull the motor to get it done. Thank god for insurance. __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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07-15-2010, 12:51 PM	#8
zsapphire7 Colonel 111 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (21)	just because the holes are elongated doesnt mean the tower has failed.... can you post some pics? If theyre elongated, you can just dial in more camber if desired. As long as the tower is structurally stable as in not moving then youre fine.
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07-15-2010, 01:09 PM	#10
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	I highly doubt the tower needs to be replaced. take some pictures of the "elongated" holes and lets have a look.
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07-15-2010, 01:47 PM	#12
onefastman Major General 163 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	I will try and get some pics later on, this is actually confirmed by three people (dealer owner whos a friend, shop foreman who is a friend/car club sponsor, and dealer body shop). I will be going to a indy place later on to get another opinion. __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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07-15-2010, 03:23 PM	#13
dcorn Captain 86 Rep 951 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NoVA iTrader: (2)	Definitely post some pics. I hit a huge pothole recently that gave me a bubble in sidewall of the tire, and according to the dealer bent the strut and knuckle on that corner. Didn't see any strut tower deformation though. It could happen, although I think you'd notice it. I hit a small curb in my old mustang and it was enough to blowout the sidewall (non-RFT) and bend the camber/caster plate, which was an aftermarket piece made of at least 1/2" steel.
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07-15-2010, 03:56 PM	#14
zsapphire7 Colonel 111 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (21)	ive thought about purposely elongating the holes a little bit to increase camber adjustment haha... i dont see how elongating a little bit would compromise the structural integrity when were talkign abotu a few mm..
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07-15-2010, 04:09 PM	#15
dcorn Captain 86 Rep 951 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 335i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NoVA iTrader: (2)	If you elongate the holes, I'd probably get some sort of plate on the top and longer bolts (add the width of the pate) just so there is no danger of anything tearing through for any reason.
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