Rear Shock absorber top mount failure

I've had this clicking/squeeking noise from the rear left side for a little while.
First I thought it was the rear side window mechanism that was worn, but no.
Then I suspected the rear seat, (found that the top was not fastened), but no.

Today the clicking/squeeking noise was worse than ever.
And as I drove along I started suspecting the rear schock.

Jacked up the car and to my horror I noticed that the rear shock mount had failed as the front fastner nut for the top bearing came into sight as the loose bearing tilted down into the wheelwell.
The loose bearing is what made the noise.

Now the top mount has not failed totally, only the metal between the big center hole where the bearing is and the small hole that is the front bearing mount.
The rear mount is still intact and the shock is still in it's place.

Might be a thing to consider reinforcing guys.

Dont think this will be an expensive fix, the damage is small.
But I'm going to reinforce both my top mounts for sure.

I've made a quick fix today with some big washers.
It turns out that the rear bearing fastner also has started to crack.
I'll be going away on monday so I'll just had to pacth the car together so I can use it the few remaining days untill I leave.

Will make a proper fix when I get back home again i June.

I see no point in replacing The item you listed, My plan is as follows.
Weld the cracks, and weld in the piece that is loose.
Make a 3mm (1/8") thick plate that is the same shape as the top of the mount and weld it in place, this will reinforce and distribute the load evenly over the whole top of the mount.

Similar reinforcements are made for e30/e36 and e46 that I know of.
They look like this, however I intend to make them myself and have them welded in place.

http://www.turnermotorsport.co…asp?PRODUCT_ID=TSU9975100

Hello Scott.

By the looks of it I'm stuck i China for quite some time.(maybe years)
The only way I'll be comming to the US is on my own time, and then I can choose where to go.
At the earliest I can go to the US in August, or I'll have to wait untill October.

Wheels, well, thats in progress, Ive decided to go for some 19" Work wheels in Germany, I'll drive down there in mid June an pick them up.

Pictures are being posted as soon as I can.