no more aa rtb's what now?

[dytrdr5]

just like the title states I knew I waited to long to get them and now they stopped making them. :(
so what do you guys think is comparable in price, performance and ease of installation.

[M Rob]

Take a look at the GC ones. The are actually a better design than the AA and give you all the same benefits. I have some for sale, and am a GC dealer so do some research since I might be seen as biased.

[John H]

really?? i just was on the phone with them last week because I had one fail and needed to get replacements + glue. they seem to be replacing a lot of bushings by the sounds of it (before I finished my sentence, they said mail 'em back and we'll send you new ones...)

truth be told, they're probably discontinuing the bushings because they've had so many problems and are most likely losing money.

My vote for runner up would be for stock bushings with GC inserts.

- John

[extremeM3]

M Rob, how much are you selling them for?

[M Rob]

I have one brand new set for sale for $255. (Retail is $299)

[dytrdr5]

MRob how easy is the install on the GC units, because unfortunately here in florida we don't have install weekends or anything like that and renting the tool or paying for the install just seems excessive to me. Hoping that they are as easy to put on as the AA ones. I am looking to get these in about 2 weeks, thanks for the help guys

[badmonkey]

GC are easier to install than AA, NO GLUE!!

http://www.ground-control.com/images/bmw/e36-rear-lca2.jpg

[M Rob]

GC are definitely easier to install and also service. Once you glue the AA bearings in there, it is a PITA to get them out. You can just unbolt the face on the GC to service the bearing.

[Spencer]

Originally posted by John H
really?? i just was on the phone with them last week because I had one fail and needed to get replacements + glue. they seem to be replacing a lot of bushings by the sounds of it (before I finished my sentence, they said mail 'em back and we'll send you new ones...)

truth be told, they're probably discontinuing the bushings because they've had so many problems and are most likely losing money.

My vote for runner up would be for stock bushings with GC inserts.

- John

What were the symptoms of it failing? How many miles did you have on them?

I have some weird noise coming from the right rear, along with EXCESSIVE tire wear in the last few month on the inside edge of that right rear tire.

I was going to get the car re-aligned but I might go ahead and check out the bushing the night before the alignment to see whats up.

[John H]

well, LOUD banging over bumps (picture someone in your trunk banging away with a rubber mallet).

I had 1 fail after less than two months of use, then I had a second one fail at about the 10k mile mark. Both have been replaced, but it seems from the subject of this thread, perhaps for the last time.

So what's the word? The GC bearings are streetable? I thought AA had the advantage here b/c there seemed to be a lot more rubber in the unit.

Though I think I've learned my lesson with spherical bearings and I'm going to go back to stock w/ GC inserts if (when) my present RTAB's bite the dust.

- John

[John H]

Oh, and another symptom is there will be some play in the bushing if you get a crow bar in there and try to move the TA around. This will be a sign they are shot for sure.

Frayed has some posts from way back when about getting these suckers out. Really not difficult, you just need to heat the TA up with a propane torch for 20-30 minutes (no exaggeration) and then just knock them out with a rubber hammer. That's it.... (mind the gask tank though :))

- John

[frayed]

Originally posted by John H

Though I think I've learned my lesson with spherical bearings and I'm going to go back to stock w/ GC inserts if (when) my present RTAB's bite the dust.

- John

I went through the same process. WHile I love the stability of solid RTABs, they just were overkill for the street. Back to stock with GC inserts.