Author Topic: Help! control arm bushing? (Read 6750 times)

nickolas · « **on:** August 25, 2007, 08:22:01 AM »

I am about to change my control arms and bushings and see that there is a special lubricant to be used when putting the bushing back....dealer is closed today...is there any other lube that would work in the process? I guess it has a limited flexibilty time and then sets.
Thanks,

e9nine · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2007, 09:10:35 AM »

Dishwashing soap

nickolas · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2007, 09:25:15 AM »

That's easy, thanks

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 27, 2007, 01:08:56 PM »

So...even when using the dishwashing soap, do you still have to hurry and get the car back on the ground to settle the suspension, or can I be leisurely?

dude8383 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 27, 2007, 01:35:33 PM »

Quote from: P. Kennedy;32569

So...even when using the dishwashing soap, do you still have to hurry and get the car back on the ground to settle the suspension, or can I be leisurely?

i'm not sure what you mean by this...but the control arm ball joints and control arm bushings are normally taken of the car so that each can be pressed in.

there is no hurry with that kinda stuff.

either way, the suspension will settle on its own.

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #5 on:** August 27, 2007, 02:33:08 PM »

I've read multiple times, how, when using the special BMW lubricant on the control arm bushings, there's a narrow time window to get the bushings on the arms and the car on the ground before the lubricant "sets."

Anybody else come across that info, or am I high?

Thanks for the response, dude. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Brooklyn, as my mom was born there.

Vladi · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2007, 03:10:51 PM »

I've read the same thing in TIS about the lubricant, so you're not high.

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2007, 03:18:48 PM »

Actually, I was high a lot in the mid to late 1970's. But that's neither here nor there.

Vladi, we gotta get you some gum.

rhogg · « **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2007, 04:07:23 PM »

I did mine earlier in the summer. The issue with the lubricant and time relates to pushing the control arm into the bushing, as well as pushing the bushing into its lollipop holder. The time issue comes from lubricating rubber - what starts as a lubricant becomes gummy after a while and stops lubricating. This is even true to a certain extent with dishwater soap.

I was surprised at the strength it took to push the control arm spindle into the bushing. I used M3 bushings which are stiffer but still you really have to push and wiggle it around. Once you have everything off the car do a dry run to see how it fits together and then lube up an have a go! I did one side at a time and the its pretty simply. The toughest part was the manifold subframe nut which is very hard to get at. Think lots of extentions and a universal joint.

If you install one side at a time you will have no problems with the time issue.

Good Luck

D. Clay · « **Reply #9 on:** August 27, 2007, 06:01:55 PM »

I think the idea is to get the bushing on the control and in the lollipop as it will be at normal ride height. When you jack up the car the bushing is twisted. If it's twisted to start with the life of the bushing can be shortened. It takes a set on the arm and also is pressed in the lollipop. Same is true with rear subframe bushings. The subframe can slide up on the bushings. I had to loosen mine and reset them. I had very little clearance between the driveshaft and the gas tank. I drilled and tapped through the subframe and the bushing and cut off a bolt to use as a set screw.

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #10 on:** August 27, 2007, 11:55:39 PM »

Ah D. Clay...years = wisdom.

christophbmw · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2007, 07:28:57 PM »

Quote from: e9nine;32414

Dishwashing soap

^^^^what e9ine said. very simple.

you guys are making this to complex, they use soap at the dealer to;).....trust me, i would be the one to know.

rhogg · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:37:08 AM »

I'd also add that there is no twisting if you take the lolipop off the car. It makes it easier to remove the old bushing and easier to press the control arm into the bushing. There is no load on the bushing this way, except for the brief period when the lolipop is bolted back onto the car and then lowered.

Even if you are not replacing the bushing I'd still take the lolipop off the car. I find it much easier and safer to push on things standing up versus lying on my back under the car.
YMMV

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2007, 01:56:38 PM »

Just for verification, you mean the lollipop that holds the CAB, right?

rhogg · « **Reply #14 on:** August 30, 2007, 03:23:56 PM »

Yes its the shape of a magnifying glass or lolipop and the bushing fits inside it, with the control arm spindle pushed through the middle of the busing. It is the rear most attachment of the control arm to the car frame/body.