How to replace your subframe bushings in half an hour
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Image 2 |
Image 3 |
Image 4 |
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Image 5 |
Image 6 |
Image 7 |
Refer to images above througout instructions (click for larger view):
- Open a can or bottle of your favorite brew (optional).
- Block front wheels. FRIMLY apply the E-brake.
- Using your BMW jack (image 4), jack one side of the vehicle using the jacking point and support with a jackstand (image 3).
- Using an allen socket, remove the two bolts holding the mounting plate (top of image 6, image 7). Do not forget to clean the dirt out of the bolts holes before using force. You do not want to strip them. Furthermore, these are often rusty, so curse excessively between swigs of beer if necessary. I found turning with a socket and a pair of vice-grips at the same time to be very effective.
- Remove the large support bolt (bottom right corner of image 6). You may need to use a breaker bar for this one.
- Now, using your BMW jack at the jacking point, lift the vehicle slightly so that the subframe support bolt begins slide up through the subframe bushing. Stop when there is no weight on the subframe (image 5). Take a swig.
- Remove the two bolts mounging the subframe bushing to the subframe (image 1).
- Remove the subframe bushing (image 2). Take a swig.
- Replace with new subframe bushing and tighten subframe to bushing bolts. (I will have to find torque for these)
- Replace subframe plate, replace the support bolt, replace mounting plate bolts. Tighten all bolts. (I will have to find torque for main support bolt. Its at lease 50ft.lbs)
- Lift with BMW jack further until you can remove the jackstand. Lower vehicle completely. Finish brew.
- Do other side with new can or bottle of brew. Beware, if you are a lightweight, don't do this with Bock or comparably strong brew.