e28 Rear sub frame bushings

[peter coomaraswamy]

Hi folks,

Any quick instructions for replacing the rear sub frame bushings (the large ones that hold the rear sub frame to the body using two through bolts)?

I have the sub frame out of the car.

Thanks!

[tn535i]

You should have searched. Even with only 11 post you should know that. It's been covered thoroughly.

[demetk]

I wonder if they would slide out effortlessly if you sizzled them out with a torch?

[BRRV]

I wonder if they would slide out effortlessly if you sizzled them out with a torch?

This is a joke (I think, anyway, the key word being "effortlessly"! If not, apologies to demetk since I have little sense of "humor" and I don't like burning rubber except on pavement ). Seriously, I can't believe you got the subframe out of the car before you thought about how to pull the rear axle carrier bushes.

Anyway, do a search for "subframe Sawzall" and see what comes up... I bet you get more than 90 hits. I always thought it was easier, without a press, to remove the old bushes from the car with the rear axle carrier still on the car, and the easiest way to get them out with it off the car is a press, but it's not something I've done, I'm a Sawzall man with the carrier still on the car.

[peter coomaraswamy]

Well, thanks, I think- I did search but I'm probably doing that the wrong way. I'll figure it out but pretty sure the saws-all is last resort?

[BRRV]

Pete, I can't speak for others but it would be for me. I'd cut out the center, and then cut the bushing outer collar all the way to the subframe, and then collapse it in sections with a big hammer and chisel. I did this on the car, it was easier to pull 'em out after I collapsed the sections. I'd use a vise of something to hold the carrier firm. Maybe someone who's done them off the car will chime in. Good luck..

[demetk]

This is a joke (I think, anyway, the key word being "effortlessly"! If not, apologies to demetk since I have little sense of "humor" and I don't like burning rubber except on pavement ).

Kinda joking but I was curious. Not me but,



Bigger flames = more fun. But a more refined method would be,

Heat the OUTSIDE of the subframe where the bushings sit, until you see a little rubber start to bubble up around the edge, then start whacking the bushing with a hammer and it will pop right out.

Or you could make this,





Here's the link: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/show ... ing-puller

To install use your jack and a chain like this,



cheers.

[BRRV]

I do know that even Mike Miller suggests flame for removing rear trailing arm bushes. I have this aversion to hot rubber

I've never figured out the chain and jack procedure. Explain that one! And don't forget you'll need a really good rubber lube, and frozen bushings inserted into a heated rear axle carrier work better. Although I used poly because I'm lazy...

[demetk]

You wrap a chain over the subframe and under the jack. Then when you start to push the bushing in with the jack, there will come a point where the bushing will resist and start to push the subframe up. The chain is there to stop the subframe from moving and that forces the bushing the rest of the way. In essence you've made a portable press. I lube my bushings with a soapy mixture which works nicely. To make sure the bushing doesn't walk out, I pin it in place with a screw.

[peter coomaraswamy]

OK, now that's some cool stuff! I guess heating/melting the rubber would make them come out much easier. With the 5 bushings per side I figured it would be easier to drop out the rear frame and do an inspection while I renewed everything. I don't intend to be snobbish but since I'm no longer in my 20's (or thirties- or forties for that matter) I need to use a lift which I was able to get for my little hobby shop. This makes it much easier to remove large segments of the car- even when I have no clue what I'm doing- or about to do. It would be nice if the bushings just bolted on like on the e9 but I guess that's progress. Thanks so much all for the information and comments as I have a few friends with these cars and I think I'll be doing this operation again but I hope not too soon!

Peter

[a]

Heh heh, cutting them with a sawzall and then using a hammer and chisel appeals to my inner caveman. I tried to torch out the bushings once. The smoke and smell were too noisome for me. You oughta see me using a 6lb sledge and and a 2' stick of 5/8 to pop an inner tie rod end. I just turned 66, BTW . I have slowed down and I no longer car crawl in the driveway. I've created a 12 X 24 yurt in the back yard . Now I recline on carpets and listen to books on cd as I wrench in Mongolian splendor. with the rear wheels blocked up 16"

[BRRV]

Heh heh, cutting them with a sawzall and then using a hammer and chisel appeals to my inner caveman. I tried to torch out the bushings once. The smoke and smell were too noisome for me. You oughta see me using a 6lb sledge and and a 2' stick of 5/8 to pop an inner tie rod end. I just turned 66, BTW . I have slowed down and I no longer car crawl in the driveway. I've created a 12 X 24 yurt in the back yard . Now I recline on carpets and listen to books on cd as I wrench in Mongolian splendor. with the rear wheels blocked up 16"

I'm a few years behind you, and it gets harder every time I get under one.. I'm looking for a lift arrangement. It's either that or *horror* give up fixing my own cars.

[south26]

Here is a write-up I did on how to remove and replace the subframe bushings.


https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/show ... me-bushing