Control Arm Bushing Help

[snpower]

My '90 E30 failed inspection for dry rotting bushings. I bought the parts from Bavarian Auto that include the bushing already mounted in the lolipop bracket. I can't get the old bushing/bracket off either arm though. I've tried vice-grips, hammer and chisel - they just wont move a bit. Any other techniques to try?

[yammahamma]

??? they really check those for an inspection??

I think all they check here are lights/signals and maybe cracks in the windshield...


sorry I can't help.

[snpower]

I'm thinking a gear puller, although I've never used one and would not know which size to get.

Yes, they checked that. A shop I (normally) trust but man - $500.00 was the quote to do the job...

[saltshaker185]

your going to need a gear puller to get them off... i cheaped out and got the 2 legged one and regreted it (although it is possible to do i highly recommend against it) so you should go with the 3 legged puller. Just get one that looks like it would fit... even drill out the old bushing if you can get a better grip on it...

also putting on the new bushings is going to be a bitch... go ahead and buy some dawn dish soap to use as lube and start brain storming ideas on how you would get it on without a press... :\ i have a way which i got mine on but i know there has to be a better way so if you run out of ideas then PM me and ill see if i cant help you out...

[Marknhl]

I had to do those bushings on my '94 E36 and they were no easy task. I had never done them before but I got a tip from the mechanic at the BMW dealership to use the gear puller. (I had to get my alignment done and I had to replace the bushings before they would do it. They thought they were going to make $385, it costs me $80? I forget. That or less.) Definitely a good idea. Just rent one. Pay for one? lol screw that, I'm in college. Anyway, the gear puller should get them off without too much hassle. I actually ended up using a torch and melting some of the rubber off and then the outside bracket came off, then I used the gear puller again to get the center bushing off the arm. As far as putting them back on, I mainly used a 3lb hammer. Get the new bushing and bracket started with a few taps, then take the old center bushing and put that in front of the new bracket and wail on the old bushing which will act like a damper. Your arms WILL get tired. Get over it and keep wailing until they're all the way on lol. If it makes you feel any better, I put the first one on backwards! So I had to then pull it off and do it again. Not fun, make sure you don't do the same. Good luck.

[gotKRAUT]

flame...thats how i roll or pickle fork, but i like fire...

[snpower]

Well let's hope so. I ended up using my 2006 Tacoma and a tow strap to press the bushing/bracket onto the control arm. Just slipped the truck into neutral and let it roll forward a tad. Worked like a charm on the right side. On the left side after multiple attempts I could not get the bushing as far up on the arm as on the right. I bolted it in place, torqued to specification, and will have the car re-inspected tomorrow.

[Marknhl]

When I did it I didn't even use soap or any type of lubricate on the control arm if I remember correctly. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get them on there with multiple goods swings and a BIG hammer. It's not easy, give it an hour or so but just don't give up, stay down there and get it done. Using the truck? Now that's a big of scary innovation lol

[saltshaker185]

mine was a bitch

[snpower]

Awful job (for me anyway). Only worse one I've done was the oil pan. I'm sure the rest of the suspension is no cake walk either - ask me next spring!!

I beat the #$%! out of those things and they wouldn't budge enough to say so.

It's done and the inspection passed so cheers to me!!

I'm heading up to Portmouth, NH tomorrow (I'm a pilot) so I'll run over to Bavarian Auto and spend some more $$$...

[saltshaker185]

oil pan is cake heh :\ steal me some sways while your at BAV. would ya?