BMW Repair: 1986 BMW 528e Rear End Squeaks, damper shaft, 1986 bmw 528e

Question
Hello Rob:

One other question!!  I have a 1986 BMW 528E with 230,0000 miles on it and its still running great for the exception of this little problem.  The squeak that is coming from my rear end when the car is push down from the trunk, does it has some type of bearings.  What are these bearings called?

A neighbor says it could be some type of bearings behind the left rear wheel connected to the strut or spring or something.  I am very confused.  

Is there any kind of bearing in the rear?
Also, rubber bushings, could this be a problem to cause squeaks?

I really appreciate the kindness that you provide.

Mike


Answer
Hi Mike,

Other than the wheel bearings there are only bushes. There are a number of things that could cause a squeak and usually the most common would be the damper (Commonly incorrectly called the shock absorber) or gas strut. the best bet is to get some teflon (lubricating)spray, remove the rear wheel on the offending side, rest the lower wishbone on an axle stand and with a pal pushing the car down as you would to detect the noise...spray small amounts on to the various suspension components including the damper shaft. Thus, by a process of elimination, you would be able to detect the cause of the squeak. If it is the damper, the teflon (you can use most lubricating sprays but make sure they are not harmfull to rubber) should quieten it down for a while but the noise will return as the lubricant wears away. Only option then would be to replace the part.

Hope this helps

Regards

Rob