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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > Alignment pin frame location twisted.



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      06-21-2021, 10:19 AM   #1
zort
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Alignment pin frame location twisted.

Hey Guys ,

I am pulling down the front suspension and found that the alignment pin location was a bit twisted.

I can do one of two things. Hammer the top back in place or remove the pins from the top hats.

What is recommended and why would this happen in the first place ?
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      06-21-2021, 11:31 AM   #2
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I would do both. hammer down flat(maybe use a hard mallet or piece of wood so that you dont chip all of the paint off.

And ya remove the pins anyways.
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      06-21-2021, 01:36 PM   #3
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That would happen if the top hat mounting nuts were not properly torqued.
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      06-21-2021, 05:46 PM   #4
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Quote:
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That would happen if the top hat mounting nuts were not properly torqued.
+1

Can also be someone doing a poor job trying to remove them.
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      06-22-2021, 10:28 AM   #5
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Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't there be a pin in that hole? I'd remove the bolts and rotate the perch to it's correct position.
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      06-22-2021, 01:43 PM   #6
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Thanks for all the replies. So the pin is there but due to the frame being mangled it is seated below. But it does align.

My plan of action is to put tap it back in place and then offer up the top hat to ensure it fits correctly. The other side is fine.

-B
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      06-22-2021, 02:36 PM   #7
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Remove the pin. If it has been bent, it is unlikely to be an asset in alignment.
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      06-22-2021, 03:59 PM   #8
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Thank you. Once I remember will take some pics once I pull it.

-B
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      06-22-2021, 04:01 PM   #9
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I would use a "dolly" on underside when hammering the strut tower (its not a frame) back down flat. The dolly will aid you in not knocking it dented downward. Dolly is a common tool body guys use. You might take measurements on opposite side to get feel for how far down you need to go. Good luck.
P.S. A little bit of white paint to make it look nice after would be fine. Our E90s are 10+ years old so don't go anal on worrying chipping the paint. I pulled my camber pins as I converted to Ground Control Coil Overs.
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      06-22-2021, 04:09 PM   #10
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Sounds good. Will take that into consideration as well.

-B
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      06-24-2021, 03:38 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zort View Post
What is recommended and why would this happen in the first place ?
My car is the same, it was like that when I bought it. My guess is that it was in an accident before which shifted the strut mount and the alignment pin slid under. The strut and control arms on that side were replaced at some point too and didn't match the other side. It looks like only the wheel was affected however since the fender is still original and there are no signs of body filler or any body work.

I have since replaced struts and control arms and got the car aligned. The alignment shop removed the pins on my new mounts for some very minor camber and caster adjustments, and was able to get everything aligned properly.

I noticed your dust cap is missing from the top of the strut. You should replace that, or look into replacing strut mounts soon. I had one like that too and without that dust cap you're looking at a lot of grit and moisture going directly into the bearings. When I replaced my mounts that one with the missing dust cap was shot - binding very badly and not turning smoothly.
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      07-18-2021, 12:28 PM   #12
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Thanks all. I got through.

Also will put on the caps . Didn't even notice.


-Brule.
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