I finally got around to installing the UUC Tranny Mounts and UUC Front Control Arm Bushings (FCAB’s) that my wife bought me for Christmas. The car was gone for a couple of weeks after Christmas for Randyization and after that I was too busy getting the stereo installed, so I do have an excuse.
I’m not going to do a complete write-up since there’s an excellent one from willscam linked in the DIY thread.
The first thing to do was get the car in the air and support the transmission.
Here’s the stock setup. I loosened up the tranny mount top nuts and then removed the cross member.
I bought the UUC red mounts along with the enforcer cups.
Here’s the cross member dropped ready for me to pull the old mounts off.
Here’s the new mounts installed.
Then I put the cross member back in place. I hand tightened the cross member bolts and then torqued down the tranny mount bolts at 16 ft-lbs. I used my inch-lb torque wrench because it has a smaller head and can fit in between the guibo and the tranny mount nut.
I also removed a section of exhaust to make torquing the cross member bolts on the passenger side easier. My Bentley manual said 31 ft-lbs, but willscam’s DIY had 15 ft-lbs listed. Considering I busted a bolt in the process, I think willscam might be right.
Then I moved on to the FCAB’s. This is about as simple an install as you can get.
Here’s the stock setup. You simply remove the two bolts and then work the entire bushing/mount assembly off the end of the control arm. Some folks use a gear puller, but I found large lock jaw pliers to work just fine. I had to alternate sides back and forth about a dozen times, but I got it down far enough to work it by hand from there.
Here’s the stock FCAB next to the new UUC one. My driver’s side stocker had a couple of tears in it, so it was definitely a good time to change it out.
I sprayed Windex on the control arm and inside the bushing and then simply pushed them onto the control arm. It was surprisingly easy to get on. Then I simply lined up the holes and hand tightened the bolts. Then I torqued them to 34 ft-lbs (per Bentley).
Any impressions of the bushings after driving? I am particularly curious about the transmission mounts. I replaced mine with new OE rubber mounts when I did my clutch, but I am noticing that the transmission shifts (pardon the pun) around a lot under heavy cornering. I had considered going to a harder mount, but was worried about getting more vibration in the cabin.
I got everything buttoned up late last night. I'll go for a drive later this morning and report back.
interested as well on the trans bushings
me 3
Craig BricknerClick to Join: BMWCCA # 366493
BMW CCA/PBOC/Chin Motorsports DE Instructor
2008 M3 Sedan Jerez/Black
me as well...
When I bought my UUC tranny mounts, they told me not to go with the red's unless i had a cage and mainly only used my car for track, do to the extra vibration. (Also which reds did you get ? continous threaded rod or separate rods ) I went with their black tranny mounts (stock), with the enforcer caps, it tighten up the tranny shifting a ton with no vibration at all added, and I've been very happy since...
So i'm wondering if you will end up with any vibration with the reds or not, since thats what they told me ...
Last edited by Coupe Monkey; 02-18-2008 at 01:38 PM.
These are the continuous threaded mounts. The enforcer cups (aluminum "caps" on top of the bushings aren't necessary, but I went for the extra support.
First off, no noticeable vibration at all. There is a noticeable reduction in driveline slop when shifting under power. That's what I was hoping for, so I'm happy. I think adding engine mounts will help even more, but they look like they might be a PITA to install.
As for the FCAB's - the slight vibration I had from the front end is now gone! I'm sure it was due to the torn bushing on the driver's side.
I noticed a lot more cabin noise after installing the UUC blacks with enforcers. I don't think it equates to vibration, but certainly makes the cabin louder...which I actually prefer.
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