Rear axle bushes

[Vic]

Hey guys

Would like some help please.. When removing my rear 323 rear axle to have blasted and coated, I noted down that the axle to body bushes were fitted with the longer side facing the ground/ short end facing the body. However when reinstalling these, and with research, I’ve that they’re fitted the other way ie longer side facing the body. Can anyone shed some light on this for me please?

Also, is there a method of aligning the axle to the body when refitting? We fitted the bushes and tightened the bolts first and then fitted to the shell, however, we found that the axle is sticking out an inch more to the offside and therefore an inch in on the opp side.

Thanking in advance for any advice!

[shadyracer01]

Cant remember which way round they go but isnt it marked top or have some arrow somewhere?
Leave the big central nut slack until everything else lined up at sills etc first, then tighten central nut once its back down on its wheels .

[uwbuurman]

Hi Vic, long side goes up. If you become a vipmember here, which helps to keep this forum alive, then you have access to the original bmw workshop manual. Contains all procedures and torques and everything is documented with pictures.

[Vic]

Thanks for the advice guys, got it sorted. I'll do that Uwbuurman, the manuals are priceless