BLOG ARTICLE:https://blog.bavauto.com/15088
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All of the items shown in these videos are available in our online store at https://www.bavauto.com/. Need additional tech help? Please visit our tech blog for thousands of Tech and DIY BMW and MINI articles at: https://blog.bavauto.com/
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In this DIY and How-To video, we’ll outline the procedure for properly using the control arm bushing remover and installer tool for removing or installing the front control arm bushings on BMW 3-series models from 1984 through 2005.
One of the most common sources for front-end vibrations on BMWs and MINIs is worn front control arm bushings. If all other front-end suspension and steering parts are verified to be in proper functioning condition, it is likely that the control arm bushings have become soft and are allowing the suspension control arms to oscillate, causing the vibrations that can be felt through the chassis and the steering wheel.
Replacing the control arm bushings on the 3-series BMW models from 1984 through 2005 (E30, E36, E46), can be accomplished by most DIYers in just a couple hours …. If we have the proper tools. In addition the a floor jack, jack-stands and common metric tools ranging from 16mm through 19mm (in most cases), we need the control arm bushing removal and installation tool kit.
In this DIY we will show how to remove and replace the control arm bushings on the BMW 3-series models as noted above, using the control arm bushing replacement tool set. Note that we will be installing the pre-assembled control arm bushing and mount bracket assemblies. This will allow us to replace the bushings without access to a hydraulic press.
TOOLS:
Control arm bushing removal and install tool:
https://www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=kt20249
Bentley repair manual; as applicable to BMW or MINI model:
https://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=5228
½” drive socket set, to include; 16mm through 19mm sockets (depending on model), ratchet and extensions.
24mm combination wrench
27mm combination wrench or ½” drive socket
Pry bars
PARTS:
Control arm bushings with mount brackets, as applicable to BMW or MINI model:
https://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=162
This general outline for 3-series control arm bushing replacement assumes that the proper Bentley repair manual is at hand.
PROCEDURE:
1) Lift and properly support the front of the vehicle, so that the front wheels are off the ground.
2) Remove the wheel/tire assembly.
NOTE: Some models may require removal of splash panels or shields in order to access the control arm bushing mount brackets.
3) Remove the rear control arm bushing mount bracket by removing the two bolts securing the bracket to the vehicle. Note the position and overall relationship of the bracket and how it is mounted to the uni-body frame rail, for the future re-installation.
4) Use the control arm bushing removal/install tool to remove the bushing and bracket assembly from the end of the control arm pin.
5) Press the new bushing/mount assembly onto the control arm, using the bushing removal/install tool. Note that some urethane bushings may not require a press for this operation. Note that rubber bushings require a lubricant to allow them to be pressed onto the arm. BMW specifies a special lube that dries after assembly …. we like to use Silicone spray, diluted dish soap or hair spray as alternatives. Take note of any alignment marks, as well as the proper orientation (left / right and front / back) of the mount bracket. Most of the applications will install with the mounting arm, on the mount bracket, being parallel and in-line (on the same plane) with the forward end of the control arm.
6) Install the bolts for the bushing mount bracket and torque to specs (see the proper Bentley manual).
7) Replace the splash shields and the wheels/tires and torque the lug bolts to the proper torque spec. Lower the vehicle.
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All products noted in this video can be purchased in our online store, https://www.bavauto.com/, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are also welcome to e-mail us at info@bavauto.com or call into our headquarters and speak to our knowledgeable advisors at (800) 535-2002 (Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 9PM EST, Fri. 8AM to 7PM EST, and Sat. 9AM to 4PM EST).
Flanged Floating Ball valves, 2 pcs Float Type Flanged End Ball Valves with cast iron, ductile iron, aluminum bronze, stainless steel, etc.
FEATURES
Size: 1/2″~10″
Class: 150~600Lb
Two Pieces Cast Steel Body
Floating Ball, Full Bore
Anti-static Device
Blow-out Proof Stem
Fire Safe Design
Low Emission
SPECIFICATIONS
Design
ASME B16.34/API 6D
Face to Face
ASME B16.10
End Flange
ASME B16.5
BW End
ASME B16.25
Test
API 598/API 6D
Fire Safe Test
API 607/API 6FA
Special
NACE MR-01-75
Application
Water、Oil、Gas
STANDARD MATERIAL LIST
No.
Parts Name
Material
1
Body
A216 WCB, A352 LCB, A351 CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M
2
Seat
PTFE, R-PTFE, PEEK, PPL
3
Anti-static Spring
Stainless Steel
4
Thrust Washer
PTFE
5
Screw
A193 B7, B8
6
Retainer
Carbon Steel
7
Lever
A216 WCB
8
Limited Plate
1015+Cr, Carbon Steel+Cr
9
Gland Flange
A216 WCB, A351 CF8
10
Packing
PTFE, Graphite
11
Stem
A105+ENP, A182-F6, F304, F304L, F316, F316L
12
Body Gasket
PTFE, SS304+Graphite, SS316+Graphite
13
Ball
A351 CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M
14
Bonnet
A216 WCB, A352 LCB, A351 CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M
15
Stud
A193 B7, B7M, B8, B8M
16
Nut
A194 2H, 2HM, 8, 8M