Syncro Design Works, BMW 3 Series, E36, E46 and BMW Z4, Rear Trailing Arm Bearings (RTABs)

Syncro Design Works Rear Trailing Arm Bearing, BMW 3 Series, E36 / E46 and BMW Z4

Snycro Design Works rear trailing arm bearing updates and improves the rear suspension in BMW 3 Series E36 and E46, and Z4, by eliminating binding and deflection through adding precision and longevity.

SyncroDesignWorks RTAB's utilize an OE developed bearing, designed for long-life while offering full articulation for optimal suspension geometry.

While at home on the street, this bearing is precise enough for track duty.  Syncro Design Works' own 410hp shop track/street car still has the original prototype bearing installed in 2009, with no measurable toe deflection.

Why Syncro Design Works Rear Trailing Arm Bearings?

The trailing arm on the E36/E46/Z4 rear suspension attaches to the chassis just in front of the rear tire.  The arm curves around the wheel, creating a pivot point which maintains toe-in as well as fixing the position of the wheels, front to rear. A stock rubber bushing wears over time, allowing deflection in the joint. The problem is compounded by performance upgrades such as increasing engine horsepower, increased grip of sticky tires and improved braking systems.

By maintaining precise control of the trailing arm, more aggressive alignment settings may be run, resulting in the car handling better without concern of 'rear steer' condition as a result of worn bushings.

Symptoms of worn bushings...

If your car is twitchy when braking, or experiencing a steering effect on acceleration, your RTABs may be at the end of their service life.  Worn trailing arm bushings can create an undesired 'rear-steer'.

What makes Syncro Design Works RTAB’s special?

Syncro Design Works Rear Trailing Arm Bearings offer a range of multi-axial movement, where OEM bushings only pivot on a single axis, similar to a gate hinge in motion.

OEM bushings, even when new, allow more deflection than preferred for optimal performance and have a limited service life.

Syncro Design Works rear trailing arm bearings are lubricated and sealed for maintenance free operation, which makes them the last RTAB that vehicle will ever need.

Syncro Design Works Suggested Guidelines on Rear Trailing Arm Bearing Installation:

• Safely jack vehicle and support with stands
• Mark around the 3 toe adjustment bolts, using a paint marker, for alignment reference. This gets you close, but we always recommend a professional alignment after this RTAB upgrade.
• Remove brake line bracket from trailing arm (10mm head bolts)

(Do not disconnect the brake hose)

• Support the trailing arm, and remove the 3 bolts for RTAB carrier, lower slowly.
• Remove the RTAB support console.
• Using a proper press tool, pull the old bushings out of trailing arm.

• Prep for Installation by cleaning the trailing arm bore, removing all traces of rust and residue. Use a scotch-brite pad, or fine sandpaper.

• Lightly lube the clean bore with grease or anti-seize.
• Place the new housing into the arm. The tapered end goes in facing the center of the car, flange towards the outside.
• Lubricate the threads on puller tool.
• Line up the aluminum housing and install the tool as pictured – The Recess in the Cup Must be towards the bearing – this is critical to avoid damage. The pressing force must be on the orange surface, and never on the inner race of bearing.

• Begin tightening nuts with a 22mm or 7/8in. wrench and socket – do not use an impact tool.

• Ensure the bearing is being pulled straight in with even pressure. If there is binding or excessive resistance, loosen the nut and re-center the assembly.
• Pull the housing fully home, until the flange is sitting flush against the trailing arm as shown.

• Reinstall Toe bracket thru bolt, tighten to
• Install in chassis with 3 bolts, torque to 57ft/lbs.

If you would like to borrow a Syncro Design Works' RTAB installation tool, we can send one with their RTAB.  

You only need to pay the shipping back to us, and to return it within 30 Days of the original shipping date.

We will not lend out the tool without a purchase of the SDW' RTAB bearing.

When we receive the tool back, in good condition, within the 30 day allowance, we will credit the full deposit back to your credit card.

Please use the option box at the top of the page to add the use of the tool to your order.