Those that have removed rear subframe bushings with a sawall... Tips

[Racerhoze]

Fml basically. Broke a few blades. Need help

[BadM535i]

That happened to me a while back in my E28. After I was able to get in, I finished it off manually with a thin metal saw blade. Took a while but I was able to pull it out with a workout. Then I let fire do the rest of the work.


http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p138/anhussei/102_3731.jpg

[ChiTownTy]

This does not look like a job for beginners

[SleazyV]

I used a metal blade, cut the rubber out first, then cut straight along the metal sleeve just enough that I could pry it inward to snap it. Then just tapped it out of the subframe. I'm assuming you're having trouble because the subframe is still in the car? Mine was out...

[Racerhoze]

Subframe was still in the car. Finally got it out with the sawzall/press/fire method. Poly feels great. Replacing with rubber a couple years ago was a dumb idea. Never again.

[Funk49]

Subframe was still in the car. Finally got it out with the sawzall/press/fire method. Poly feels great. Replacing with rubber a couple years ago was a dumb idea. Never again.Good tip on the poly mounts. How much ? Where did you buy them ?

I can't see the pics... my work place here blocks pics. :rolleyes

My mechanic seems to think the subframe MUST come out to replace these. :confused

Anyways, how difficult and time consuming is this job ??? Does one NEED a lift to do it ?

[Binjammin]

Good tip on the poly mounts. How much ? Where did you buy them ?

I can't see the pics... my work place here blocks pics. :rolleyes

My mechanic seems to think the subframe MUST come out to replace these. :confused

Anyways, how difficult and time consuming is this job ??? Does one NEED a lift to do it ?

Your mechanic is inexperienced at best and a hack at worst. Absolutely no need to remove the subframe from the vehicle to remove the bushings. If he insists on that method, find another mechanic. He'll end up charging you a fortune for work that just doesn't need to be performed.

[Funk49]

Your mechanic is inexperienced at best and a hack at worst. Absolutely no need to remove the subframe from the vehicle to remove the bushings. If he insists on that method, find another mechanic. He'll end up charging you a fortune for work that just doesn't need to be performed.Inexperienced in Euro's w/rear independent suspension is my guess. Otherwise, he really is a very experienced and excellent mechanic. I live in BFE where there aren't many "exotic" cars (like ours)! :lol

He would only want $160 Labor cost to R&R the bushings. That is with dropping down the subframe and all.

[Funk49]

Anyways.... What is the easiest method to replace these bushings ? Thinking of just doing it myself....

Is this something that can be done in a driveway ?

[Racerhoze]

I ended up using a sawzall to cut part of the lip of the bushing away, hammering a screwdriver between the bushing and the sub frame and prying it away, then using a 3 inch diameter pipe cap between the body of the car and the mount, and jacking the car up by the sub frame to push the bushing down and out. Heat was also applied.

Pelican has these bushings for megacheap now, 68 bucks I think.

[///Manuel]

I try to be as detailed as I could in this...
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1158856

[GIANUCCI E30]

I was just talking about this job with a friend. My best advice for those doing it for the very first time who's mechanical savvy isn't great. Rent the subframe bushing tool. Or unless done before, BF.C should start a tool bin for maintenance jobs just like this one.

Last thing you want to do is botch the job due to inexperience or end up like Richard Pryor running down the street with your A$$ on fire.

[Mark185]

Inexperienced in Euro's w/rear independent suspension is my guess. Otherwise, he really is a very experienced and excellent mechanic. I live in BFE where there aren't many "exotic" cars (like ours)! :lol

He would only want $160 Labor cost to R&R the bushings. That is with dropping down the subframe and all.

That labor cost is an absolute deal if this mechanic is good. Too bad he has no experience with "exotic" cars. Having done this job twice with the factory tool and several other non-BMW cars with the torch and sawzall method, I would jump at the chance to pay someone $160 + parts to do this job. Around here, a typical quote is from $500-700 for this job. Do you trust this guy to get it done properly even if he lacks special tools and experience with BMW? Dropping the subframe out of the car involves dropping the exhaust system, driveshaft, and rear differential in addition to disconnecting brake lines and emergency brake cables. The standard way is to support the car properly and drop the subframe 2-3" down from the chassis. It is very difficult to do on your back with the car on jackstands. With a lift and the factory tool, it turns into a 2-3 hour job with a leisurely pace.

The special tool usually costs $500-650 depending on where you find it. GIANUCCI E30 mentioned in another thread that you can frequently borrow this tool from BMWCCA local chapters. You have to join the national BMWCCA club and local membership comes as part of the deal. I would guess that any local chapter that has a 'tool bin' will have a list of tools available posted on their web site. That is how it works in NJ. Getting access to a lift is the tricky part. I am lucky to have had several options over the years. A gas station owner in town has let me use his lift for small jobs at night if he is there working on another car and I have worked for the military for 20+ years. Every base I worked on had a hobby shop with auto service bays available for $4-5 an hour.

[e34moneypit]

I was just talking about this job with a friend. My best advice for those doing it for the very first time who's mechanical savvy isn't great. Rent the subframe bushing tool. Or unless done before, BF.C should start a tool bin for maintenance jobs just like this one.

Last thing you want to do is botch the job due to inexperience or end up like Richard Pryor running down the street with your A$$ on fire.

(Lights a match and waves it)

"Look it's Richard Pryor running down the street!"

[87shark]

I will probably be doing this at some point this year. Not looking forward to it.


BF.C should start a tool bin for maintenance jobs just like this.

The GA section has one of these :D

[Funk49]

I have worked for the military for 20+ years. Every base I worked on had a hobby shop with auto service bays available for $4-5 an hour.Thanks for the tips. I do trust the guy, he does excellent work and is very concienious.

I'm Retired USAF myself and miss working at those base hobby shops! Great times (and money saved) there for sure!

Now I have to find out how to rent that sub-frame tool. Anyone know any BMW clubs local to Dayton, Ohio ?

Here's my Email address...... Labrat0116(AT)gmail.com

[Funk49]

I will probably be doing this at some point this year. Not looking forward to it.



The GA section has one of these :DWho is BF.C and GA section ?

How can I find one of these tools to rent ???

[Funk49]

$304 from Pelicaparts.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/BMWM/POR_BMWM_TOOLS1_pg2.htm


http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/Tools_folder/PEL-TOL-SIRB90-B1.jpg

[K Fox]

$304 from Pelicaparts.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/BMWM/POR_BMWM_TOOLS1_pg2.htm



Actually, that kit is for the wheel bearings. The proper tool kit for the subframe bushings is this one: http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=PEL-TOL-3026&catalog_description=Rear%20Sub-frame%20Bushing%20Master%20Kit%2C%20BMW%20Service% 20Tool%20Reference%20%2333-3-110%2C%20fits%20BMW%20Chassis%20E23%2C%20E24%2C%20 E28%2C%20E30%2C%20E32%2C%20E34%2C%20E36%20318ti%20 %28Compact%29%20Models%20only%2C%20%20Z3%20Coupe%2 FRoadster $394 from Pelican.

Fox