So all 6 or 8 bolts will have to be unscrewed, thecontrol arms detached from the knuckle etc, and the steering rack seperated...Powerflex should make this a part of the bushing, it should not be an option. I'm beginning to lose interest in this car.

 

I am about to install these on my 03. I have the motorsports add on kit also (just a washer and bolt). It says in the basic kit instructions to roughen up the inside of the factory tube with sandpaper - I guess this is why! Is it the outer or inner part that walks rearward? If it is the outer then I may glue it in. I was hoping I could add the motorsports brace only for track days - but it sounds like there may not be enouigh room without dropping the frame - isd this correct?

 

I am about to install these on my 03. I have the motorsports add on kit also (just a washer and bolt). It says in the basic kit instructions to roughen up the inside of the factory tube with sandpaper - I guess this is why! Is it the outer or inner part that walks rearward? If it is the outer then I may glue it in. I was hoping I could add the motorsports brace only for track days - but it sounds like there may not be enouigh room without dropping the frame - isd this correct?

 

I am about to install these on my 03. I have the motorsports add on kit also (just a washer and bolt). It says in the basic kit instructions to roughen up the inside of the factory tube with sandpaper - I guess this is why! Is it the outer or inner part that walks rearward? If it is the outer then I may glue it in. I was hoping I could add the motorsports brace only for track days - but it sounds like there may not be enouigh room without dropping the frame - isd this correct?

 

Can anyone tell me how to delete a double post - sorry about the above.
Thanks
Wes

PS - I added Ireland rear control arm bushing inserts last weekend and am so far very happy with them. Only slightly more rear noise on grainy pavement and notisably better contol over bumps in corners (less bump steer). I am worried about them working the bolt loose though and will check torque again thie weekend.
Wes

 

I'm trying to get this straight, they came apart as you were backing out of the shop after installing them? What exactly came apart? The arm from the purple bushing, the purple from the black bushing, or the black bushing from the carrier?

I have two cars with these and no problems, even after a day at the drags.

 

meb:
this is your chance to rough up some knuckles. If all you are doing is lowering the subframe a bit, loosen the crush tube bolts, (no need to pop the front end,) grease up your arm to reach into where the steering knuckle is, disconnect the two 13mm bolts holding each hub ball joint, you may get away with leaving the tie rod ends hooked up, otherwise a conventional puller gets 'em, get an air impact wrench to loosen the 6 or 8 bolts, you are really only talking about a couple of hours, start to finish.

 

meb: I'll second JLM's comments. It doesn't mean yours came apart. It only happened to one side on our car, for some reason. Perform a visual check first!

002: They split between the 2 bushings.

 

What is they? there is only the outer (dark bushing) and the inner (light purple bushing). Are you saying that the arm and light purple piece came out of the carrier? Was there physical damage to the bushings? I'm trying to visualize this.

Edit: Don't bother explaining it. Seacrest out.

 

I guess a picture is worth a thousand words.

The screw worked itself loose and fell. And yes it was loctited!

 

jlm, J Propane - thanks, I'll give it a try. Gotta get the parts first. Mine arestill fine, but I'm not taking any chances.

I'm really puzzled about how these came apart...why do you think J Propane? I can understand if the front control arm ball joint was faulty, but that component essentially keeps the bushing in place...???

Michael

 

Oh boy, now more questions. I see that the arm came out of the bushing, but how did the arm get enough movement to get out? Probably related to "the screw worked itself loose". Which screw? I'm having trouble with this complaint because with everything together and tight , I can't see how the arm could come out.

Edit: Ok now I see, the inner bushing is on the wrong side of the carrier. Phew, I thought I was going crazy.

 

J Propane, Have you had a chance to install these in the correct order yet? I think your concerns will be gone with them installed right. Also, let us know how hard it is to remove the outer bushing from the carrier.

Edit: This is not a smart a$$ remark, if that is why there hasn't been a response.

 

I called BMP/Pro MINI (where I bought my bushings) and they have not yet heard of the Motorsport Support Kit. Can anyone let me know where they found it?
Thanks!
Jim

 

Powerflex website.

I've been really thrashing my car and these bushings have not moved. I've been under the car several times to check. I wouldn't worry about the motorsport kit...for now.

 

I have not seen them for sale from the vendors, but it is listed with a picture at the powerflex site.

It is a bolt and oversized washer that threads into the rear of the control arm to sandwich it together and prevent foward movement of the arm when accellerating. I'm not sure how it will affect suspension geometry through the range of motion.

 

jimz68, meb,
There is not a concern of this happening to our cars. If you look closely at the posted picture, the bushings were installed backwards. I'm not trying drill in the mistake, but that is why it happened.

 

I got that from your last post, hence my comment . A close one for sure...glad I didn't remove the subframe again.

 

Just ordered mine from BimmerWorld - major US powerflex distributor.

 

I asked about this part when I ordered my bushings today. While it may be useful for keeping the bushing in place (which, from the posts above, is apparently not a problem when properly installed), its true purpose is to sharpen up the handling a bit more. Just in case anyone was wondering...

 

pure&simple, any chance you'll be installing these yourself, or like meb, utilizing a professional? If the former, kindly share some details, and if not much trouble, some photos (of the install)... Either, look forward to hearin your impressions afterwards! Thanks.

 

Eric @ Helix is the only one who is allowed to work on Mindi. I'll ask him if he'll be willing to document the job for posterity. Tentatively scheduled for 7/10-7/11.

I will certainly share my impressions, but my perspective will be a little different as there are some other changes in the mix. I'm having Eric remove my tubular front control arms (with Delrin bushings) and reinstalling the stockers (with Powerflex bushings) for peace of mind on the track. Also, the H-sport front swaybar is coming out, and the OEM bar is going back in, also with Powerflex bushings. I've really enjoyed it, but decided it was just a bit too much for the street, lifting wheels out of every parking lot and exaggerating rough roads. I'm hoping I won't lose too much of the steering responsiveness I've grown to love... we'll see.

 

Thanks! I'll try Bimmerworld.
Jim

 

I've heard that Eric is a heck of guy, and really knows these cars. Good for you! I'm sure he's quite busy, but if he can document it, great.

Hey, if you consider parting with that bar, let me know, as I might be interested. Heck, all that stuff sounds interesting! Well, if you plan to part with them, kindly PM me.

Thanks much.

 

Consider yourself first in line!