E46 BMW Control Arm Bushing DIY doityourself

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Keith, well done on the DIY. I just found the youtube video on Google. Points right back to this thread. Good job.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for the write-up. I'm in the process of replacing mine. Got them off no problem, now I just need to stalk my neighbor to borrow his press so I can get the old bushing out and my new powerflex bushings in...

Will PF bushings fit in the stock lollipops?

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[kayger12]

Keith, well done on the DIY. I just found the youtube video on Google. Points right back to this thread. Good job.

Thanks, Boss.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[GSEN820]

This is the next item to fix on my car after I install camber kit. This is a great write up love the pics.........

[Cadeez]

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.

[Alphatek45]

^ strange. Mine popped right on with a block and sledge. Just Like in the DIY. Wonder what the difference is.
What kind of cabs did you go with?

[Mtnman]

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?

[kayger12]

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.

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.

[Cadeez]

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...

[carsontl]

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