BMW Control Arm Bushing Replacement

[tallica4us]

after 5:40 it gets pretty expensive.

[09feb1992]

On my e36, When I am on the freeway, the steering wheel feels like it has a slight play in them and then when I am braking from a fast speed, my steering wheel wobbles. Could this be down to worn bushes?

[blitzfork]

Another video that doesn't show the hard part of getting the original bushing sleeve out of the bracket. This video might as well be called how to hard boil an egg.

[MrRamongh]

Great deal of help, now I know better how they will repair my car. Thanks a bunch.

[jereisluke]

I have a '95 318is and my mechanic told me I need to replace front and rear control arm bushings. I had a few questions:

1) Are the rear control arm bushings pretty similar to replacing the front ones?

2) I read another DIY that said to take the whole control arm out, can I replace these with the control arm still on the car on an E36?

3) Any other way to get the old bushings off the control arm besides the impact drill? I don't have one of those. Thanks.

[528im52]

@jereisluke The rear control arm bushings are a bit more involved and are much more difficult to get to than the front ones. As for removing the control arms in install the bushings, it is not required to do so on the E36, the process is very similar to the one in this video, the components just look slightly different. The impact drill was simply used for the speed in which it gets the job done, most people use a chisel and hammer to force the inner sleeve off of the control arm.

[jereisluke]

@528im52 Great, thanks for the info. I'm going to buy a puller and use a friend's power drill for the front. The back may have to wait.

[BrianDM55]

I checked your website, bmpdesign and couldn't find the bushings you used in the video. They don't use that style for a 93 318i?.

[25rsboy]

poly bushings ftw

[reyftcossieR1]

Thanks very much.. You are best.

[cali311soca]

Is there any difference with the M?

[3312cdfp5674]

I replaced them on mine with poly ureathanr, it still clunks. Is it possible becaus e the bushings was not set in all the way? Because I think that's what occures

[urbex2007]

I really enjoyed that and don't have that car. It is a very clear and concise presentation.

[aleksankazakov]

How do i know the bushing is worn not seeing it. If i have small bumping sounds when i drive over some bumps does it mean my bushing are bad?

[528im52]

@aleksankazakov That is a possibility, that is either the bushings, ball joints, or swaybar links. 

[williamwestbrook1]

With out Control Arm Bushes, Can that bent the rack and pinion ?????

[supersesqui]

Well presented informative video.  Thanks.

[reemdog28]

Polyurethane bushings suck balls. I put a set on and they last not even a year.

[528im52]

@reemdog28 Who's urethane bushings did you install, it's rare, even on track vehicles for urethane bushings to fail so quickly.

[PyroBoi268]

Hi, I have a BMW E46 & I just replaced my lower control arm bushings because, when applying the brakes, the steering would shake and the wheels would move. Went for a test drive and the car feels great now but... I now have the problem of the steering wheel vibrate and shake at 100km/62mph to 120km/74mph. I never had the problem before. I have now replaced my rims and tires, had a full wheel balance and alignment and still no hope.

Please any suggestions on how to fix this or help me out.

[cbhsfob]

@PyroBoi268 possibly your brake rotors are warped?? hope thats of any help to ya mate

[MAPSTER7007]

thank you for placing his video, I have a question where do I get these polyurethane bushings and is it the same process. for a 325XI. Thank you

[528im52]

@MAPSTER7007 Yes, it is the same process for your 325xi, the bushings will look a bit different, but it is the same location and process. I will message you the link to go directly to them on our website.

[Axio1matic]

You see thats just it! thats why i asked if theres a rear bushing because when i say $240 per arm bushing kit i would have been purchasing 2 of them but only needing 1 so hes CHARGING ME DOUBLE!! It would be $480 not including labor so it would be a $600-700 job. That only costs $300

[Axio1matic]

my guy wants to charge me 240 per arm w/bushing kit not including labor is that a good price? is there an rear control arm bushing alike to the one shown replaced in the video that im not accounting for?

[528im52]

@Axio1matic There is not any other bushing on the control arms of a 3-series sedans from 1999 to 2005, and 3-series coupes from 1999 to 2006. When you say 240 per arm with bushing kit, would that include replacing the control arms as well? If so that is not too bad of a price per side and is just a bit higher that if you bought the control arm and bushing from us, but if that is just for the bushings alone it is extremely high.

[keybythee3]

@528im52. they charged me 350 to change BOTH BUSHINGS...good price??

[528im52]

@keybythee3 That is not a bad price for a shop to do it.

[briansmobile1]

This video is beautiful art work. I hope to make how to videos this good some day.

[deffi88]

would that ball joint in that tie rod make noise when im driving?( turning mainly)

[528im52]

@deffi88 There is a good chance that it is, there are three main possibilities when it comes to the ball joints making a popping sound. The Control Arm, Tie Rod, and Swaybar Link, these are the three items that could be making the noise, the only problem is when you are turning, all three types of these ball joints are moving and turning as well. Its best to try to isolate which side it is coming from, then with the car on a lift or on jack stands get under it and have someone turn the wheel.

[deffi88]

@528im52 yea i have this machanic who i think is lying bout the price to fix it. he reckons its a sway bar problem in the front..... but i could hear the noise coming from the back.. its really annoying to lol. what do you think by your experience? oh is it costly to change a sway bar?

[528im52]

@deffi88 There are many things that would need to be checked, basically all ball-joints or bushings, as for the sway-bar the end-links on the sway-bar are normally the issue, they are about $25-$45 each depending on your exact model. If they are going out you will hear a little bit of a pop or slight banging sound when you go over speed bumps or are pulling in or out of parking lots where there may be dips. If that is not the issue then it may be the sway-bar bushings that need replaced.

[fritzgt]

2002 325XI

MY STEERING WHEEL USE TO VIBRATE AROUND 40-60MPH WHEN PRESSING BRAKES, IT WAS EXACTLY AS HAVING WARPED ROTORS SO I REPLACE THE ROTOR AND PADS...THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MINUTES THE VIBRATION CAME BACK AND IT WAS GETTING WORSE DAY AFTER DAY.

AFTER HOURS OF INTERNET RESEARCH AND ASKING A BMW TECH, ALL POINT IT TO THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, SO I INSTALL NEW BUSHINGS AND THE VIBRATION TOTALLY DISAPPEAR !!!

A REPAIR SHOP CHARGED ME $2,615 TO FIX THE VIBRATION .....

[luganballer99]

i plan on replacing my control arms and bushings next weekend......didn't really tell me how to take the bushings out or press them in. guess i'll keep looking...

[528im52]

@luganballer99 We didn't get into that due to a 4+ton press being needed to push the old bushings and their sleeves out. Most individuals do not have this kind of equipment and would need to take the brackets to a shop to have the bushings removed.

[crasc222]

This is nicely explained and I could clearly understand everything although I'm from Germany. Good job!

[Junior1luv]

tHAT CAR IS GOING TO RUN LIKW NEW

[Junior1luv]

I live in New jERSEY I WISH YALL COULD FIX MY CAR.

[Jordeleo]

If the ball joints are out you dont have to replace the entire arm.

[325xitgrocgetter]

Is the procedure the same for XI E46s (All wheel drive?)

[528im52]

@325xitgrocgetter Yes, the XI models may look a bit different under the car, but the procedure is still the same.

[xLIV3WIR3x]

@528im52 Same procedure different bushing component

[BoogieWithStew]

Local BMW dealer wanted $200+ to do this work (using OEM parts, not performance) and then another $400+ for a mandatory alignment.

$600+ is crazy to replace 1 bushing. Still have the worn bushing.

[textcrwds]

@BoogieWithStew DIY!!!! ITS EASY!!!

[lybones]

Great info thanks!

[orlando318]

is that meyle stuff?

[528im52]

@orlando318 Those are Powerflex bushings we installed, original factory bushings are what was on the vehicle.

[rjerry77]

Your video was great help I went I got the bushing with the brackets from the dealer I try to installed them and I broke one I tried wd40 glass cleaner and a bunch of stuff and I couldn't any suggestions on how to get them to go in? One more thing where can I get the ones you show on your video?

[rsin101]

Why didn't you use synthetic grease on the bushing before installing them onto the control arm?

[Thegarmendia]

Do polyurethane bushings have problems with noise such as squeaking as time goes by.

[528im52]

@Thegarmendia Some People state that there is more noise, but we have installed 100+ sets of Urethane Bushings on E30, E36, E46, and E39 have have seen little to no adverse noise. As for squeaking, as long as you lubricate the gushing and shuttle with a water-resistant grease there should be little to no squeaking.

[Benbosa]

Great information! Thank you very much for making and posting this video!

[tenzinpalden]

is this control arm bushing compatible with 325 i? thanks!

[crystal1708]

Who makes the pivot sleeve that you used in the video?

[autojank]

Hi, in your video about checking to see for control arm bushing failure, you show how the front wheel jumps back a bit when you brake at low speeds. The same thing happens for me ONLY if I repeatedly jab and leave the brakes at a low speed. Is that what you were doing in that video??

Long story short, BMW dealer says my suspension is fine after hoisting it up, while the indy shop wants me to change bushings. Who to trust? I need to do an alignment so wanted to sort this out first. Thx!

[528im52]

@autojank When doing this video we were keeping the brake pedal at a constant pressure, we were not jabbing or surging the pedal. If there is any doubt you will want to go ahead and replace the bushings then do an alignment.

[528im52]

@autojank When doing this video we were keeping the brake pedal at a constant pressure, we were not jabbing or surging the pedal. If there is any doubt you will want to go ahead and replace the bushings then do an alignment.

[autojank]

@528im52 Thanks for the info. I guess I will just get the alignment done, as there was no "jumping" at constant braking pressure, and the BMW dealer in Ann Arbor said it was fine, I even spoke to his tech and looked at it myself with him. The only reason I had a doubt was because a "reputed" Indy suggested I replace the bushings, as well as tie rod! I will look at the bushings again in 6 mos, since I'm approaching 100K. Thanks for the prompt reply, wish your shop was in Ann Arbor!

[DoctorIncredible]

im in the middle of replacing my control arm bushings on my e36, with oem rubber ones... any tips for getting it back onto the control arm?? ive tried window cleaner...dish soap...banging it with a mallet, banging it with a hammer... nothing. and now my car is not driveable! crap! help! :)

[DrMotorDude]

This is great info....

Do you have a clip for the REAR trailing arm bushing on e36/46?

[rjerry77]

Thank you thats great help. Just what i need it

[seattlegrrlie]

Oh, oh! I really like that new bushing! Can you tell me where to get that one! We were planning to replace and I'd like that nice performance upgrade. =)

Great video!

[pepito060666]

Thanks for this video is very important and helpful to know all of this. I have a BMW E60 and the Dealer want to charge me a fortune ....

[watuzi]

Nice video, I wish I had the tools to do this job. My 2000 528i has 100K miles on it and it needs major maintenance, like O2 sensor replacement and such.. How bout a video on replacing shocks. I would appreciate it a lot. Thanks.

[Keinar5]

thank you so much! i am using the urethane ones as well and this was such a relief to see it done. thanks again

[ROX374]

could you please give us the brand of bushing that you used in this video thanks, it seems like you did not have to machne press the new ones into the casings.

Thanks

[maztx]

Those look like POWERFLEX bushes... Just search Google for them. ;)

[seattlegrrlie]

@maztx I just checked out their website. Thanks!

[masteroutdoorsman]

how did that just slip on mine wont go on any help.

[edzgarage]

There's a puller??? lol I wish I had one when I pulled mine out. What a pain without the puller.

[Astonishist]

I fitted some of these Powerflex bushes to my e46 today. Very easy job to do, but I did have access to a ramp, puller, press etc. I've done a good road test on various different road surfaces. The ride quality is perhaps a little harsher on very poor roads, but the difference is so small it might even be in my head. The steering has definitely sharpened up slightly though. Provided they don't wear prematurely, which I very much doubt, I would recommended them.

[Astonishist]

By the way, I'm making my comparison against BMW genuine parts that I had previously and had only done 5000 miles. I wasn't happy with them so I replace with Powerflex and things have improved.

[baljci]

love the video, keep it up

[Solidus517843]

I went to the dealership a couple of months ago and they said my front bushing needs to replaced because its starting to tear. How much is too much???The dealership was going to charge me an arm and a leg!

[528im52]

Honestly it just depends, the labor time called for on this is 3.5-4.0 hours from start to finish plus an alignment and the actual parts. I believe that our shop charges about $375.00 for the install, parts, and alignment. I do know the local dealership charges over $450.00 for the exact same job.

[marctheda]

@528im52 damnnn where is your shop? cuz i went to this one place and theyre charging 800 wtf right?

[declassified1]

if ya bushes are that far gone , you should really be replacing the whole wishbone set up ... everything (they bend)

[catvisimo]

i did the same type of job in my e46 and i didn't use those cain of electric tools ...the only problem was the aluminium shield who was a bit stubborn, the bushings came out easy...just by hand, after i removed the bushings i just put the new one with the help of vaseline, after the bushing was in position i used a rust bolt spray WD40 to remove the vaseline from there...wipe the rest of the remaining vaseline and bolt it back in posision and that was it.

[angler765]

how did u press the new ones in???

[catvisimo]

i used the plastic tail from a hammer and vaseline

[mcfatnuts]

with a press?

[ecoloqua]

I have a 04' BMW m3 that I just bought. 25k miles. I brought it in to the dealer for an oil change and to check the brakes and they said that my ball joints are loose and need to be replaced. Is this possible with only 25k miles??

[arRAMz]

Yes, lack of use contributes to this problem. If the car had more miles, it might not have this problem.

[RosenK01]

I have a 2000 e46 with the sport package. How do you get the new busing into the housing and the old one out (that seemed to be the only part that was missing from this DIY (be nice: I am a novice).

[528im52]

Normally that would require you to have the old bushings pressed out with a press and the new ones pressed in, we used an 8 ton press in our shop for ease if doing so, but a lot of people have taken alternative means to getting them out such as cutting them out with a "sawzall" or "hacksaw." But starting next Monday 10/19/2009 we will be carrying these bushings already pressed into new brackets ready to be simply bolted onto your vehicle.

[RosenK01]

OK (and thank you for the response), so I have a large vice and a sawzall.... What more would I need to do it myself or would I need to take them to a shop somewhere to have them pressed in?

[528im52]

Well, as I said a shop can do it with less work and possible damage, normally they charge between $15-$30 to press out a pair of bushings like these and to put the new ones in, but with a large vice and sawzall and safety glasses you can do it yourself and all you would need is what you have plus the new bushings...

[liddy85]

would a large fly press work to remove/refit the bushings. thanks for making this video.

[mcfatnuts]

anyway to get them already pressed in online?

[kubomon17]

great informative video i need to have my bushings replaced and now i know to NOT ask for the factory ones. thanks!

[prospec978]

how do i balance out the tires without goin to the shop

[528im52]

There is no good way to balance or align the wheels and tires without going to a good shop, the balancing machines and laser aligners that they use are extremely accurate and are the only true way to ensure proper alignment specifications. There are some at home kits and track-side kits for alignment, but these are only to be used for a quick alignment and are not always 100% correct

[prospec978]

how do i take out the whole control i tried but it seem stuck

[528im52]

Once the Bolts are removed off of the control arm ball joints you will have to hake a large 2-prong fork (fork as in tool, not eating utensil) and pry the arm from the chassis. The control arm has most likely been installed for many years and needs a little help to be removed since it is probably "frozen" to the chassis.

[omgitsmadonna]

My VW New Beetle does the same I think... when I'm at a red light and start to accerlate, my car starts sizzling like a snake and everything shakes, then over 40mph it stops... but its annoying! I cant drive in piece and a local shop wants $250 for labor when the parts are less than $30 each from NAPA auto store.

[dirk44pitt]

you should have said how many miles this car had on it ..

[DoctorIncredible]

my E36 325is has the high speed braking shimmy and also gets a shimmy when i hit a bump if i am cornering above 60mph... i suspect the control arm bushings. is it worth it to buy one of the ebay kits that includes new control arms, tie rods, bushings, everything? or just do the bushings? i would say im a novice/intermediate home mechanic. what tools do i need?

[viet0ne]

Depends. Do a visual inspection of the control arm bushing first to check for cracks and excessive wear.

It took me a good 6 hours to do it on a 97 M3 because it was my first time attempting and I didn't have the desired tools so I had to kinda macgyver a fell things. I could do it in 1-2 hours now that I know the tricks with my own tools.

Is it worth it? I would change them out anyway as the rubber doesn't tend to last very long.

[SpeedSirAudi]

I don't have a BMW, but I think my Audi has this problem. My car does that back and forth motion when stopping but it also makes a clunking noise when I am stopping and taking off. Do some cars make that noise when these go bad? Or do I have a whole other problem?

[chavstalker]

I would check your rear anti-roll bars and or Pittman arms! As they are all RWD, power pushing the weight forward from the back will push the steering from side to side if the anti-roll bars have wear or are broken! If you cant feel a slight knocking under your feet when driving or hear a slight knocking, then the bushes are ok! These are available in the U.K from German swedish and french car parts for £60 inc VAT on trade prices or around £70 plus any garage can fit these for 2 hours + VAT!

[ikirika]

I noticed that my steering feel changes from time to time. Sometimes, the steering feels slightly disconnected and loose and at other times it feels precise and heavy. Whenever I drive or break on rough surfaces or bad roads, the steering moves left and right whenever the tires hit the rough patches on the road and I have to hold the steering tight to make the car go straight. Is this caused by worn out Control Arm bushings?

325ci 02/50k miles

[528im52]

The Bushing would seem to be the problem that is what you described, but the ball joints are also a factor that must be examined.

[UBCSAirsoft]

Good video, replaced mine quickly.

[kornweasel]

Didn't bother to lube the new bushings?

[mehdieminem]

my e36 shakes you think that would be the problem?. it has brand new tire and breaks. but it still shakes when i hit the break some one help PLZz

[528im52]

The under-body is similar to what you see in this video, and if you get under the car look at the bushings that are in the same location as the ones in this video you can see if there is any cracking or separation in the bushing itself, if there is then I would suggest replacing them. You will also want to look at the ball-joints that are on the control arms for any wear or excess play...

[mehdieminem]

yes i saw it. that is the problem. i have to fix it as soon as i get money. i saw some bushings on ebay for 50$ are those good to buy?

[fa1k0n]

Its just a e46 coupe like the one in your video...

I think for the front swaybar the diameter is 24mm and the rear is 19mm...right?

[528im52]

It all depends if your vehicle has the sports package...

[fa1k0n]

Great vid.

Can u tell me the size of the  bushing that you used on this replacement ? but for the front swaybar...is it 23mm or 24mm?

tks

[528im52]

That all depends on what year and model E46 you have and also if it has the sport suspension package....

[striketeamvic]

What brand of Bushings do you typically use as opposed to OEM... I found a few vendors online but the ones you show here look much nicer in quality....

Great vid btw- extremely helpful.

[528im52]

The bushing used in this setup are the bushing we carry which are produced by Powerflex

[CANERm3]

great video very informativ thank

[CANERm3]

for bmw best control arms built MEYLE germany is much better than OEM (GENUIE) PARTS

[jetgirlart]

Nice, now I just need to find another e30 ^_^

[balovly]

A++++ Video. Thanks

[tetsuokasei]

thanks it was really informative... just had the arm bush replaced

[tigeryox]

Great video!

I have the same problem with my 2002 330CiC. I've been feeling the shimmy when I go over uneven pavement, one tire is worn unevenly, and the steering wheel is not centered. The mechanic at my dealer says the bushing is worn. I wonder why BMW makes such a weak bushing because I've never had that problem with any other car I've owned.

[obamainformation]

What happen if you dont replace the brushing?>

[528im52]

If these bushings are not replaced you will see a great deal of shimmy during driving and especially under braking. Also uneven tire wear will occur causing you to purchase more and more tires over time, for the price of this repair, the gains are extremely well worth it....

[CRDLIBERTY]

Good job i agree alignments are a total waist money. Replace components out of spec! My 2003 corolla is in need bad for replacment. Toyota dealer doesnt have a clue i figured this out trial and error. My drivers side arm has inch of travel forward,rev,side to side. Caster,camber,toe all changes as i drive scary. If you know how energy suspension installs id be thankful. Also how do i take out front bolt that hits auto tranny pan?

[fastcarkid24]

what will happen when that gose bad

[Odin74M]

excellent video, thank you for posting

[TK42138]

Great video.

[andrew0790]

Excellent video. I'm at college and in withdrawls from working on my BMW. I've done this very job at home, and am missing that familiar comfy underside of my car. :D

[djsohal]

this is a awesome vid. just what i needed. thanks

[cypriotcook]

great video, this is the problem am having with my car at the moment