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Is there a short cut way to do this without (completely) dropping the front subframe? One of mine is shot and I want to replace both. I don't need to remove the bar, just replace the bushings that bolt to the top of the subframe. Looks like there is not enough clearance to get the bolts out with the subframe in place.
You are correct tazio that you don't have to lower the entire front subframe to swap out your control arm bushings. I swapped out my worn bushings a couple summers ago with the Alta PSRS and essentially did it the same way 002 did it in his how-to thread, except I did it w/o using the "special" bmw removal tool and used a pneumatic hammer and a blow torch instead.
As long as you have your car fully raised 5-6 feet on a lift it shouldn't be that difficult. It took me and a buddy about 5 hours from start to finish. I think it would be a 3 hour job if I ever had to do it again.
Thanks guys. So 002's approach won't work as he does not lower the subframe at all and I will have to lower it at least an inch or so to remove the bolts. Again, I am not trying to replace the control arm bushings but the sway bar bushings. This little bit caught my interest:
"...they accomplish this without dropping the subframe completely. As it was relayed to me, they disconnect the steering column universal joint and the rear most subframe bolts, wedge a board between the subframe and chassis to maintain clearance, and that’s about it. They do have a special ball joint tool to help with that approach."
That is more along the lines of what I was hoping I could do. So if I am not removing the control arm brackets, would I still need the ball joint tool? I'm assuming no. And is disconnecting the steering column universal joint pretty straightforward?
My apologies. I guess its getting late and my brain isn't fully functioning.
Disconnecting the steering column joint is straightforward. There's only 1 way to take it off and put it back on. I never even knew there was a special ball joint tool; depending on the variety of sockets and extensions you have, you probably don't need it.
So you're going to try unbolting one side of the subframe at a time, and hoping it drops down an inch or 2 and gives you enough clearance to install a new bushing? If it looks like that will work, just make sure that you aren't stretching any wires.
2005 BRG/W JCW
