Replaced tension strut bushings today

[JimLev]

After 19 years and 159K I figured it was time. The old bushings weren't that bad however I've been getting some 50 MPH steering wheel shake but it comes and goes.
Yesterday I had the front tires balanced, no wheel shake now but since I had the bushings I decided it was time to do it as this Sat I'm driving to the Trinity Site (as in A-Bomb) with the local BMW chapter. 300 mile round trip.
I bought Lemforder bushings, made in Brazil...not China.
Next I'll do the rear ball joints (I have them), they are also original but really seem OK when tested.

The ball joint were still good, nice and tight with no damage to the boots.
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Old bushing
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Pressing out the old one
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Pressing in the new one. Using an impact gun makes it pretty easy.
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Done
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[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

Amazing that those old bushings at 159 are in that good a shape!

[philly98540]

Looks good Jim. I hope they hold up for another 159k! Nice little press set up.

[StephenVA]

Love the Press but put some grease on those threads! Air does make the task a one man quickie process.

[JimLev]

I'm surprised these lasted as long as they did, not sure if these Lemforders will last as long but I really don't think I'll own the car for another 19 years.

Yes the threads did have great on them. If you noticed the double nuts were welded together, I ripped the thread out of a single nut.

[dannyzabolotny]

I’m surprised they lasted that long... my current E39 has 123k miles and they’re noticeably bad.

[whiteghost1]

Also surprised the originals lasted this long. Did you go for the X5 bushings?

[DHoang]

The old bushings weren't that bad however I've been getting some 50 MPH steering wheel shake but it comes and goes.

So that's what happened to your car w/ bad thrust bushings?
My problem is, my front steering wheel shakes when i apply the brakes to decelerate.
I thought this was a thrust bushing problem, or now, maybe not?

[JimLev]

I didn't use the X5's because a few years ago a friend came over for me to replace some suspension parts, front and rear.
He had the X5 bushings, I couldn't get them to press into the arms. After measuring them we found the OD was larger than the 540 bushings. Maybe with a 10 ton press they could have been forced in.

- - - Updated - - -

So that's what happened to your car w/ bad thrust bushings?
My problem is, my front steering wheel shakes when i apply the brakes to decelerate.
I thought this was a thrust bushing problem, or now, maybe not?

You haven't been here in a while.

I didn't have any shaking when applying the brakes. I think most of my 50MPH shake was cured by the wheel's being balanced.

[blackknight530i]

I didn't use the X5's because a few years ago a friend came over for me to replace some suspension parts, front and rear.
He had the X5 bushings, I couldn't get them to press into the arms. After measuring them we found the OD was larger than the 540 bushings. Maybe with a 10 ton press they could have been forced in.

- - - Updated - - -



You haven't been here in a while.

I didn't have any shaking when applying the brakes. I think most of my 50MPH shake was cured by the wheel's being balanced.

I had no issues getting the X5 bushings to fit my thrust arms, but I did use a 12-ton press. I do know that they mount reverse (180 degree rotation) of the stock bushings due to the thrust arms going the opposite direction on X5s, I can tell you that after replacing these several times, I would go Polyflex all day long now. Way easier to install and I don't feel any extra NVH. They also tighten up the steering a bunch. No more brake shuddering, even in the slightest (except from track use maybe, but I think that's actually brake related).

[JimLev]

You had to replace the steel jacketed X5 bushings many times?
If these Lemforder's don't last I'll consider the Polyflex.
Without a lift I don't want to be doing this job over and over again.
The new bushings make the ride over bad sections of road a bit smoother than before.
Rear ball joints next, I've only had them on the shelf for 5+ years.

[DHoang]

You haven't been here in a while.

Thx for noticing... but yea, i need to hang out here more often.
the e39 DIY projects -w/ lots of pics - is what draws me back on here