[uucdigest] Thursday, July 24 2003 Volume 03 : Number 6599
_________________________________________________________________ | | Search the ARCHIVES: | http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] | | Visit Richard Nott's Ultimate BMW Database: | http://www.bmwdatabase.com | | For all available Digest commands including unsubscribe/subscribe, | visit the BMW UUC Digest page: http://www.uucdigest.com | | Send SUBMISSIONS to [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Complaints? Send 'em to [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you must. | Technical Problems? Send 'em to [EMAIL PROTECTED] |__________________________________________________________________ In this BMW UUC Digest: Re: [uuc] SOLVED: Issues removing front control arm/outer ball joints from Hub... Re: [uuc] <misc> BBS stem caps [uuc] Carfax RE: [uuc] [e34] My headlights melted. Re: [uuc] SOLVED: Issues removing front control arm/outer ball joints from Hub... Re: [uuc] Checklist for a track newbie Re: [uuc] Alignment Question Re: [uuc] window tinting [uuc] Suspension Questions (E36) [uuc] M3 Fuel Pump Problems [uuc] Re: E30 exhaust recommendation [uuc] Re: E30 exhaust recommendation ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:59:17 -0500 From: Bob Moore <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] SOLVED: Issues removing front control arm/outer ball joints from Hub... That's the way some of the ones I've done sound. Yeah...sounds like something broke...luckily...in all cases, it's just been "broke loose". I use a ball joint separator: http://tinyurl.com/hx92 It works. But, I've probably used a puller like you did in the past...on tie rods. Seems like getting enough material for the jaws to "bite" on and avoiding damaging the rubber boot (if that were a concern) were the only issues... Bob > > > > I started turning and about after 5 turns, the ball joint > popped out, and I mean it POPPED out. There was a very loud popping sound, so I > knew either the ball joint was out, or I broke the hub! Luckily it was the ball > joint. I then started on the other side, and after about 10 minutes of trying > to use the pickle fork, I decided to just use the puller again. That side was > just as easy as the other side with the puller. My car is now waiting to get > new front control arms and new M3 offset CA bushings. > > Is there any reason why I shouldn't of used the puller? > > Thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate it. This list is a great > source of information, and from one of the young (and still somewhat > inexperienced) DIY'r, I appreciated reading this list and all the posts from the > pro's out there. > > Jesse Chamberlain > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 10:12:59 -0500 From: Sean Cordone <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] <misc> BBS stem caps Yeah, I have the roundel caps - the dealer tells me kids like them for their bikes. I'm on my third set. I'll probably regret this, but I put 2/56 set screws in all of 'em this time... --SC Kevin Jay (Mr.Fabulous) wrote: >Anybody know where I can get BBS valve stem caps (the newer style that covers >the whole stem)? Some clever kid has been taking mine... > >- Kevin Jay > '96 328is, red/tan, 78K > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 11:14:10 -0400 From: "Dorffer, Rich" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Carfax Carfax is similar to the legal system in my mind, it can tell you if a car is "guilty", but it can not tell you it is "innocent" like many purport. Regards, Rich - use Carfax to only tell me there is/was a problem, not that there are no problems. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 08:19:53 -0700 From: "Marco Romani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [uuc] [e34] My headlights melted. I was thinking about the lighted exhaust tips. those are cool ;-) Marco - -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Malcolm Reitz Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2003 7:47 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [uuc] [e34] My headlights melted. [MMR] >PS I *really* appreciate the technical advice of pro [MMR] >and non pro list members. Keep it up, Kirk. Also, the [MMR] >level of discourse on this list is so much better than [MMR] >the usual drivel on the internet and no one posts [MMR] >about putting lighted valve stems on their phat rides. And I was just about to ask if purple valve stem lights would look good on the M5 and or should they match the neon blue color of the windshield washer jets... Malcolm '88 M5 '98 328i ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 10:43:34 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] SOLVED: Issues removing front control arm/outer ball joints from Hub... You cheated by using the proper tool. Gary Derian > SOLVED! Car: 0, Me: 1. > > I hammered away at the joint for a little while longer, trying to hit the nut > straight on, and hitting the CA in different spots to try to loosen the ball > joint (maybe about 20 minutes) and still nothing. So I went out to the local > autozone store and bought a two pronged puller, 5 ton, 6", etc. Since I had the > strut off, It was easy to put the two prongs around the hub metal near where the > ball joint mounts, and then I placed the center bolt of the puller onto the ball > joint bolt. I started tightening the pulley down, and had to even switch to my > 2 ft torque wrench. I started turning and about after 5 turns, the ball joint > popped out, and I mean it POPPED out. There was a very loud popping sound, so I > knew either the ball joint was out, or I broke the hub! Luckily it was the ball > joint. I then started on the other side, and after about 10 minutes of trying > to use the pickle fork, I decided to just use the puller again. That side was > just as easy as the other side with the puller. My car is now waiting to get > new front control arms and new M3 offset CA bushings. > > Is there any reason why I shouldn't of used the puller? > > Thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate it. This list is a great > source of information, and from one of the young (and still somewhat > inexperienced) DIY'r, I appreciated reading this list and all the posts from the > pro's out there. > > Jesse Chamberlain > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 10:59:59 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Checklist for a track newbie Too high pressure is better than too low. I suggest you run 2.8 bar all around. If that feels good, try lowering a little bit at a time while watching the tire rollover. Try dropping the rear to 2.6 or so. Gary Derian > E36 320i, 2.0 bar in front, 2.3 in the back as per manufacturer's > specification. I know 1 bar is way too much, that's why I ask. Must be a > mistake then... > > P. > > 1 bar higher inflation is way too much. Your tire inflation depends on > the car and tire among other things. What are your specs and your > normal tire inflation? > > Gary Derian > > > > Hello all, > > > > I'm about to take my white beauty to its first track day! :-) > > > > I'm sending the car for a service and overall examination next week, > > but I'd appreciate any advice about do's and don't's on the racetrack. > > > I know about the fire extinguisher, helmet, oil, and masking the > > headlights with tape... What else do you guys do? > > > > They recommend (in the club newsletter) inflating the tyres to 1 bar > > above normal, why is that? Wouldn't that compromise roadholding or > > does it make up for the smoother surface of the racetrack? > > > > Thanks! > > > > P. > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 11:01:46 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Alignment Question Sometimes toe length is measured at the tread surface (front of tire to rear of tire measured at axle height), sometimes at the wheel rim. A little trigonometry makes the conversions. Gary Derian > Can someone kindly shed light on the following: > > I can understand toe-in when spec'ed as an angle, how do they specify toe in > units of length? Difference across a wheel diameter? Across some 'standard' > length? > > TIA, > > Sumant > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 10:41:23 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] window tinting I thought so too, but I can't find it now. I believe passenger car windows must transmit 70% or more of available light. SUVs and such are not regulated which explains the factory tinted glass available only on light trucks, not cars. FMVSS standards do not apply to individuals. Gary Derian > Stan, > You are correct. I was under the mistaken impression that FMVSS#205 > included tinting standards. Many states do, as you pointed out have tint > standards. I think that your impression with respect to enforcement is > also, sadly I add, correct. I suspect that from the enforcement standpoint, > this like so many laws and regulations is an excellent example of those > instituted to make someone feel good or go away. > Best, > Ben White/Ocean Springs, MS > > <snip> I am completely unaware of any NHSTA regulations regarding tint. I > > believe it is simply state law that rules. If there are any federal > > regulations, I doubt anyone enforces them. > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:13:09 -0700 (PDT) From: Mr <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Suspension Questions (E36) Greetings all! Since we're on the suspension thread I'd like to ask a few questions. I'm going to change out the suspension in my 95 325i w/original sport package(169k) and would like some advice. I would like to know what else I should change besided the shocks, springs, and rear shock mounts. My car is a daily driver and I don't do any track or auto X events. I have 17" Hammans and the car tramlines big time. Would a new set up get rid of this?? I've been reading about the control arms. Should I change these out too? Or just the bushings? I really don't want the ride to get any harsher but can put up with a little. I was thinking of going with the Bilstien/HR set up but now I'm leaning more towards either Bilstien/Eibach or Koni/Eibach. I hear the Eibachs are a little more forgiving when going over potholes or rr tracks. So what would you all recommend?? Any help, tips, and advice is very appreciated. TIA!! Manuel Paredes 95 325i more mods to come! L.A. BMWCCA __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:27:00 -0700 From: Michael Holbrook <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] M3 Fuel Pump Problems I have a friend with a 95 M3 who has gone through 4 fuel pumps in the last six weeks. They all burst the clear plastic-like fuel line tubing on the pump. It is unclear why this is happening but this time he replaced the fuel pressure regulator as well. Anyone have any experience with this type problem in the past? Thanks, Mike Holbrook Spring Valley, CA ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:27:13 -0700 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] Re: E30 exhaust recommendation Hi Dave, I have an exhaust suggestion, although it may not be exactly what you want to do. A couple of years ago Grassroots Motorsports Magazine ran a cat-back muffler comparison test, using a 4 cylinder VW. Besides all of the common off-the-shelf cat-back systems, they tested a couple of "generic fit" mufflers and had an exhaust shop custom-fab the pipes and hangers. The one that most interested me was the DynaMax Super Turbo muffler. It resulted in increased torque and HP, but was not too loud. If you go this route, it might help for the shop to use your old pipes and hangers welded onto the muffler. The only problem for me is that the tested muffler was a 1 in, 1 out part. The SuperTurbo isn't available in a 2 in, 2 out configuration that is the right size for my 325i. OTOH, you're eta has the right configuration. I would expect the total cost of this set-up to be around $200. http://www.dynomax.com/pass_import.stm Let us know what you decide to do. Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA 1990 325i w/ hole in muffler that was there when I bought the car in '96 1991 325iA w/ rusting exhaust system from 2 years in MA >Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 08:59:23 -0400 >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: [uuc] E30 exhaust recommendation > >Just looking for a good exhaust system without spending Supersprint money on my eta. (places to buy?) > >Doing my guibo/center support bearing/exhuast. Anything else that falls under the "while you're in there" >category? > >...given the banality of my question, please reply to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Thanks (as always) > >Dave > >84 ETA.....love it. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 11:48:37 -0500 From: Clarence <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Re: E30 exhaust recommendation Dave, first, it's not a banal question. I just went through this myself and spent a lot of time (too much) in making a decison. I did get some good advice and am happy w/my decision. I have an '87 325is and considered getting a nice SS exhaust. But I wasn't ready to spend $500+ right now. Because I needed other work done, I had the shop do it (as in Jenny at the Little Car Shop). I believe it is a Boysen unit. The other recommended one is Eberspecher. These two are stock replacements, have good fit and are considered better than Bosal, Ansa, or some of the others. The only complaint I have is that the exhaust has never been this quiet and it's hard for me to adjust as I've always driven by the exhaust note. Can't say where these units are to be had, but if you're doing it yourself I would check the dealer (no complaints for the one I deal with) or BMA (have been very happy w/them). In spite of liking loud exhaust, I accept that the difference in performance for my car is negligible, if anything. I would guess the same for yours. My wife suggested I just place a microphone at the tailpipe to satisfy my need for noise. BTW, I like the eta engine and feel too many have sold it short. HTH Clarence West Bend, WI Dave wrote: > >Just looking for a good exhaust system without spending Supersprint money on my eta. (places to buy?) > >Doing my guibo/center support bearing/exhuast. Anything else that falls under the "while you're in there" category? > >...given the banality of my question, please reply to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Thanks (as always) > >Dave > >84 ETA.....love it. ------------------------------ End of [uucdigest] V3 #6599 *************************** | | In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. |________________________________________ | Please visit these UUC-approved BMW parts vendors/service providers: | (listed alphabetically) | | Autoscope-Motorsports - http://www.autoscope-motorsports.com | |==================================================== | | Koala MotorSport . BMW technical information, special tool sales/rental | http://www.koalamotorsport.com | |==================================================== | | Taylor BMW - http://www.taylorbmw.com - Doc Bimmer! | |==================================================== | Turner Motorsport Inc . The Ultra-High Performance BMW Specialist | 207 Elm Street, Amesbury, MA 01950 | 978-388-7769 / fax 978-388-4202 | http://www.turnermotorsport.com | |==================================================== | | UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning | and home of the Ultimate Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! | 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com |__________________________________________________________
