E46 touring, rear bush question

[Zead]

Hi

I have a problem with a rear wheel rubbing slightly on the bumper clip where it joins the wing, on compression/load. The wheel seems to be set back about 10mm more than other, is this a sign the rear bushes are shot? I know they are an issue with E46s but it has done 80k and has been used as a tow car in the past. E46 sport

thanks in advance, Z

[sniff diesel]

Sounds like it could be a broken rear spring.

[specvision]

Could be a broken spring or rear axle bushes which are common place unfortunately.

[phelix]

A broken rear spring shouldn't cause a geo change. I would look for a knackered rear trailing arm bush (although if it gets to the point where the wheel is visibly set back when compared to the other side I would have expected that you would be getting noise from metal to metal contact). Also worth checking the rear subframe mountings; they have been known to tear out of the body on early-ish saloons and coupes. Any strange noises? Does the car still track straight?

[Zead]

thanks for replies.

No broken springs. Difference is measured. It doesn't seem to rear steer and handles well enough. It tramlines, but i put that down to wider rear tyres. I am suspecting bushes but again there is no visible deterioration, and the arm doesn't move around when the wheel is off. It does feel a bit crashy over poor roads though. Shocks may be finished as well. Trip to the indi or suspension specialist me thinks.

Z