Keith, well done on the DIY. I just found the youtube video on Google. Points right back to this thread. Good job.
Keith, well done on the DIY. I just found the youtube video on Google. Points right back to this thread. Good job.
Call Me Dane l 2/2004 330i ZHP l 18x8 ET45 BBS CK's wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ @ 245-40-18 l KW V1 Coilovers in front l KW V1 springs w/ Bilstein B8 dampeners in rear l BMW Performance Rotors l UUC StrutBarbarian l Racing Dynamics Rear Strut Bar l Jim Conforti Shark Injector l Light Birch Interior Trim l Bimmian Celly Mount l M3 Trunk Mat l l e90 Performance E-Brake & Shift Knob l M3 Tri-Stitched Boots l AL Headlight Retrofit with ZKW Lenses l CobyWheel Wrap w/M3 Stitching l LCM sw 4.5 triple blink and rear fogs l Maple Interior Trim
-Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
ZHP Pre-Ride Briefing
2005 ZHP, Alcantara, Silver Cube, Nav, Sharked, BMW Perf Intake, BMW Perf CF Strut Brace, CF Valve/Fuel Rail Covers,
Shadowline Grills, CF Splitters, Fog Light Inserts, Euro-mirrors, CDV Delete, Beisan vanos, GAS DISA, BP Coded
This is the next item to fix on my car after I install camber kit. This is a great write up love the pics.........
Nice DIY, but I have to say it is a little misleading, at least for me personally it wasn't quite this easy... I just replaced my control arm last week and I wish it went this smoothly.
Couple things...
- First off I didn't have to remove the aluminum brace underneath, on my sedan it wasn't in the way, so you can leave it on the car and save a little time there. Up to you of course.
- Secondly, I removed the control arm completely (it's only 2 bolts holding on the ball joints), this allows you full access to the removal/installation of the bushing.
- You will definitely need a puller to get the bushing off the control arm, it is the only way. But where my experience differs from this DIY is the reinstallation of the bushing to the control arm, I was not able to do it on my own. I lubed that thing up like it was a freakin porn star, and I tried everything to get it all the way on! I tried pressure, a hammer, a block and sledge, etc. Nothin. I ended up heading down to my local indy shop and they pressed it in for me. I'm told this is the best way, for me it was the only way. Also keep in mind that the bushing if full of liquid, so if you beat the crap out of it trying to get it on you could potentially rupture the rubber bushing and it would be worthless.
Bottom line, if the bushing doesn't slip on without any banging or force then you're good to go, if there's resistance I would suggest having a shop press it on for you. They might charge you $10-$20, but it's better that ordering a new part and pulling all of your hair out. At least that's my 2 cents.
2016 BMW M340i
BMW CCA Member . Dinan Stage 1 Software . Dinan 3.5" Exhaust . Dinan CAI & Turbo Inlet . VSRF Charge Pipe . H&R Sport Springs . CF: Front Splitter, Rear Valance, Trunk Spoiler, Roof Spoiler, M3 Mirror Covers . BMW Performance pedals . Gloss black ///M kidneys . 12mm F / 15mm R BMS Spacers. NGK 94201 Plugs .
2013 BMW X5 M-Sport - Sold
2009 550i M-Sport - Sold
2006 650i Vert - Sold
2004 330i ZHP - Dead
2001 330i Sport - Sold
2004 330i ZHP - Sold
1999 E36 M3 - Sold
Yeah. What did you use? I used Meyle HD's. Changed them tonight in 1.5 hours using this DIY. The new bushings went right on with arm grease, then i used a block of wood (2x4) to hit them twice, and they were in. Didnt even need the sledge. Wonder what the difference is?
"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of"
09 135i Msport 6mt
04 330i ZHP (sold)
David
Are you talking about installing new bushings in the lollipops? You shouldn't need a press to get the bushings onto the control arms. What kind of bushings did you use?
As far as the sub brace, I don't see how you could get the clearance to get the bushings off if the brace is there, but then again-- I didn't try. Did you drop the whole control arm because you couldn't get the bushings off otherwise?
Dropping the whole control arm seems fairly unnecessary-- especially with the pickle-fork beating you usually need to give the ball joints to get them to separate. I would think you would do more harm than good.
-Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
ZHP Pre-Ride Briefing
2005 ZHP, Alcantara, Silver Cube, Nav, Sharked, BMW Perf Intake, BMW Perf CF Strut Brace, CF Valve/Fuel Rail Covers,
Shadowline Grills, CF Splitters, Fog Light Inserts, Euro-mirrors, CDV Delete, Beisan vanos, GAS DISA, BP Coded
Haha well apparently I'm in the minority here, perhaps my new control arm had a larger end on it, who knows. Glad you all had such an easy time, I beat my head against the wall, emptied countless containers of lubricant, etc trying to remove/install these dang things! Maybe if/wehn I do the other side it will be easier...
2016 BMW M340i
BMW CCA Member . Dinan Stage 1 Software . Dinan 3.5" Exhaust . Dinan CAI & Turbo Inlet . VSRF Charge Pipe . H&R Sport Springs . CF: Front Splitter, Rear Valance, Trunk Spoiler, Roof Spoiler, M3 Mirror Covers . BMW Performance pedals . Gloss black ///M kidneys . 12mm F / 15mm R BMS Spacers. NGK 94201 Plugs .
2013 BMW X5 M-Sport - Sold
2009 550i M-Sport - Sold
2006 650i Vert - Sold
2004 330i ZHP - Dead
2001 330i Sport - Sold
2004 330i ZHP - Sold
1999 E36 M3 - Sold
Just got my meyle HD's, gonna tackle this one this Saturday... any pearls of wisdom before I go into it?
I don't need the claw puller with the HD's right? Since it's just replacing the full bolt on assembly