Front Control Arm Bushing (Polyurethane) Replacement BMW 325i e46

[mindgames11]

are any of those bolts non reusable/one time? I think they're M10 bolts that connect the bushing bracket. Im looking in my bently manual now and it says something about watch out for non reusable fasteners but it doesn't say in the procedure if any of them are.

[edzgarage]

@mindgames11 Not sure, they seemed okay when I put them back on and it's still good now.

[bdgddshs]

I see this video is back from 2010. how did they work out, any cons would you recommend them?

[edzgarage]

@bdgddshs They are still working perfectly, no issues.

[stiengineer]

@edzgarage no squeaking? I'm planning on buying polyurethane bushings for my e46 but I heard that they can squeak bad if you get the red ones. I was told to go with blue or black.

[edzgarage]

@stiengineer They did squeak, but it stopped pretty quickly. You can apply a special grease that your auto parts store can get you that is supposed to stop the squeaking.

[kreamo225]

Do you think I could use one of those pullers to replace the rear trailing arm bushings?

[edzgarage]

@kreamo225 No, I don't think so. I have a video on the rear bushings and tools needed.

[grantham45]

@kreamo225 rtabs suck, some people were able to do it with an air chisel. also, theres an expensive tool you can buy ~$100... check out forums

[hondaracer332000]

i put poly's on my 77 camaro they where easy to install just note the a-arm busings have to done with a press. but very worth the 500.00 dollors spent



[edzgarage]

@hondaracer332000 Thanks for the info! 

[rednightist]

I just replaced my CAB with urethane ones and that was a big mistake! $110 down the drain. The car sounded like a horse-drawn carriage with bad leaf springs. I was told the noise would eventually disappear after a week or two. It's been a month now and that annoying noise isn't about to disappear. I don't even know how this item can stay in the market. Just a big disappointment!

[edzgarage]

@rednightist I shot some WD-40 on mine a couple times to quiet them. But by the third week they were silent.

[jereisluke]

Great video and filming. Do you know if replacing the rear control arm bushings is similar? Is there a way to use that puller manually also? I don't have an impact gun.

[edzgarage]

@jereisluke I have a video on changing the rear control arm bushings on my channel. You don't have to use an impact gun.

[tchepourko]

@edzgarage: great video! i'm in the same boat, bought the cheap ones and lasted ~15K now wheels all over the place.

How are the poly bushes going since you've installed them? Still solid or getting loose as well?

[edzgarage]

@tchepourko Thanks for the comment! The bushings are still as solid as the day I put them in.

[manfredmann]

Where can I buy these Poly Arm Bushings? my e39 shakes a lot when I hit the brakes and also has a lot of play on the front wheels.

[edzgarage]

@manfredmann I found them on eBay.

[cbr900rr919]

what would help the squeaking is greasing the bushing before installing it.

[edzgarage]

@cbr900rr919 Agreed! 

[silvermediastudio]

Noticed any degraded braking with the poly bushings? They don't allow the same amount of toe-in during heavy braking, which does reduce stopping force. But the trade off is they last a heck of a lot longer.

[edzgarage]

@silvermediastudio No, I haven't noticed any difference in the brakes. I don't race the car though, but I have had a few panic stops.

[silvermediastudio]

@edzgarage Good deal. I've been on the fence, but will likely give the poly bushings a try next time they're needed. (I drive an 05 330ci).

PS great channel, thanks for all the informative videos!

[edzgarage]

@silvermediastudio Thanks for the comment!

[SubZPRB]

When I turn my car on it smokes really bad REALLY BAD white smoke and is drinking my oil can you tell me what it is so I can fix it thanks

[edzgarage]

@SubZPRB Sounds like a head gasket.

[1danbaxter]

@SubZPRB My 2002 320i has the same problem, it's my CCV (Crank Case Ventilation Valve) It's a bit of a tough job, do a video search to see if you can handle it. I would suggest buying the valve and all 4 related hoses cause you will break them. You can find the kit on Ebay for $90 US. It's an aftermarket part but is just as good. Good luck!

[SubZPRB]

Ok thanks man.

[SubZPRB]

Are this car bad at this cus I just got a 2004 330i and the right one is mess up

[edzgarage]

@SubZPRB The do go bad, but if those are original on your car, they are 7 years old. Poly should last a lot longer.

[Thegarmendia]

@SubZPRB on the e46 these bushings are notorious for failing as well as the window regulators.

[edzgarage]

@Thegarmendia Yep, and I have a window regulator video too.

[cbr900rr919]

@SubZPRB the v8 Bmw engines are notorious for blowing head gaskets,also have tranny problems if not serviced at the recommended intervals.

[alexdloew]

what type of lubrication did you use in order to avoid squeaking?

[edzgarage]

@alexdloew The auto parts store gave me a special grease to avoid squeaking. I told them my bushings were squeaking and they they ordered the correct grease for me. It cam in an unmarked contained and looks like white grease. It was pretty cheap for the tub.

[karimowhite]

Did you have an issue with these bushings pulling out of the ring ? I have these on my car and the red center has seperated and causing wheel woble again.

[edzgarage]

@karimowhite No, I haven't had any problems yet.

[djdonis]

Did you lubricate those bushings prior to installing them? If you did, what kind of grease did you use? Thanks.

[edzgarage]

@djdonis Yes, there was a specific grease I had to order for the polyurethane bushings. I applied it days later because they were squeaking. I need to update the vid to say this. Thanks for the comment!

[Thegarmendia]

@edzgarage Yeah I remember when I had my e46 I told my brother-in-law that I wanted these poly bushings. He told me not to put them on because he worked at Carmax and people always had them installed and came back a week later to have OEM ones put on because of the squeaking.

[edzgarage]

@Thegarmendia If they would have left them in for a month the squeaking goes away.

[davedunne11]

Great demonstration, I have to replace mine and so many people have said good luck in doing that.....well you've made it look so easy. When I've done it I'll let you know the outcome.

Again thankyou for spending the time to do this :)

[edzgarage]

@davedunne11 Thanks for the comment and good luck with the job! 

[TehHonda]

Thanks for the Video well done too. I now feel confident enough to to this job on my car.

[edzgarage]

@TehHonda Thanks for the comment! Good luck on the repair.

[viclimlee]

Hey I think I know what may be causing the noise in the suspension. Its the anti brake rattle clip!! It may be missing. The dealership loosely put these back on, which later popped off and scratched the heck out of my wheels as it exited. Anyhow, the noise only exists when there is no braking applied while going over a bump. Push some slight pressure on the brake and run over the same bump again. If there's no noise, then the anti rattle clip is missing!

[diaz852006]

do you kno any or can u do a power steering pump replacement vid?

[edzgarage]

@diaz852006 I haven't looked for one and I wont be changing mine until I need to... hopefully never.

[oscarv362370]

It's a bad strut and some bad bushing

[oscarv362370]

My steering wheel shakes when going down the road what could it be, changed the brake pads, alignment..... email oscarv6010athotmaildotcom

[edzgarage]

@oscarv362370 If it gets worse when you apply the brakes, it's probably your control arm bushings.

[Operator21]

@edzgarage

what other symptoms did you get anything like steering wheel shimmy at high speeds?

[edzgarage]

@Operator21 Only when I applied the brakes at high speed.

[signspinners]

I have a noise coming from the front at low speeds mainly on uneven ground. I jacked it up and there is loads of play on the bushing. Could this be the problem? I have already had the shocks replaced.

[edzgarage]

@signspinners It's either the bushing or the ball joints.

[signspinners]

@edzgarage Changed them over and problem sorted!!!!! Thanks for the vids!!!!

[edzgarage]

@signspinners Great! Thanks for getting back to me.

[elcherri]

Hi Ed, is it too much trouble to get the Bushing (Polyurethane) part# form Eurasia_parts??

Thanks

(PS. I believe I bought the wrong ones.)

[edzgarage]

@elcherri I wish I had the box or something to tell you what the part number was. I thought there were two different types, one for the M chassis and one of the non-M like mine. 

[email678]

hey do you have to use a puller?

[edzgarage]

@email678 You don't have to, but it sure makes the job a lot easier.

[email678]

@edzgarage oh ok can you let me know what tools to use?

[903649joe]

i though the bushing had to be pressed (by a shop press) but this changes everything i went out a bough a 12ton press for nothing... deception.

[taiwanmax7]

Hey, man, i have a quick question, how do you know which bushing is worn on LCA? (inner bushing, outter bushing, or the bushing w/ retainer)

and, how yours newly replaced bushing going?

[edzgarage]

@taiwanmax7 Hello, I showed the play in my bushing. Jack the car up and see if any of your bushings move like mine did. My bushings are working out very well, no problems. Thanks for the comment!

[taiwanmax7]

Hey, alll, How do you the bushing, inner bushing, outter bushing on the LCA is worn?

[warcrypt]

Where did you get the part for removing the bushings? Or what is the official title so I can do a search. Thanks, nice vid!

[edzgarage]

@warcrypt It is a 3 jaw puller. You can usually buy them in a kit that includes 3 sizes from Harbor Freight.

[warcrypt]

@edzgarage - Thanks so much! I'll check it out.

[yourealiti]

Im changing my right front strut and control arm, do you think I have to change both sides?

[edzgarage]

@yourealiti I would. If one is bad the other can't be too far behind. 

[slaponte]

These bushings can be found at ecstuning for $89.. FYI

[slaponte]

If anybody locates these bushings, post a link! :-) I can't find the ones on the video anywhere...

[gtfynest21]

I have the same problem man and its really annoying. I ordered aftermarket control arms with the tie rods and sway links but I don't like the bushings on the aftermaket can you tell me how much you paid and i searched for the seller eurasia_parts nothing came up.

[edzgarage]

@gtfynest21 The control arm bushing were on sale for $79, they were normally $99 for the pair.

[wendileona]

How much would a replacement of control arm/bushings cost for this E46 and an E36 at an autoshop?

I just would like to know, as I'm sure others will, what kind of savings we're talking about if you DIY? Thanks!

[edzgarage]

@wendileona I don't really know what they would charge. Probably at least 2-3 hours labor and mark up on the parts.

[elcherri]

Hello Ed, great videos and great explanations on all your videos I'm sure you've saved lots of people some money, its good to see people share their knowledge.

can you tell me where you bought your (Polyurethane) Bushing ??.

I appreciate the help..

thanks

[edzgarage]

@elcherri Thanks for the comment! I purchased these bushing from a seller on eBay (id eurasia_parts).

[BMWPOWERization]

I’m happy with my 328i, but the only performance mods are sport suspection and the Signature Motoring performance intake for about $150. Signature Motoring kit adds around 11HP on the dyno, great sound, and the best performance upgrade for the money. See my channel videos!

-Adds 9-11 HP

-Never replace filter again (uses K&N filter)

-GREAT SOUND

-Installs in maybe 30-45 min. K&N filter lasts a lifetime.

I'm thinking maybe performance exhaust, but eh.

[edzgarage]

@BMWPOWERization Thanks for the info. I hope my vid was of some help to you. Thanks for watching...? I already have a K&N filter.

[BMWPOWERization]

@edzgarage Yes, I enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting. Your vids have already saved me probably $500 in shop labor. Seriously.

[flubbernuget]

Ed, thanks for the number to look up the kit on e-bay, I'll check after this e-mail to you. If by chance I can't find one, would you be willing to sale yours? I saw in your video that you used a 8 inch three jaw puller to remove the bushing from the front control arm, can I use a 6 inch puller instead? I saw a three piece kit at Harbor Freight that had 2, 4 and 6 inch pullers for $19.99 and they also had the 8 inch puller by itself for $19.99. Also I tried to PM you but was not allowed

[edzgarage]

@flubbernuget I'm keeping my set. I've been asked a couple times to sell it. It's a good set and I think I can use it for many other projects down the road. I think the 6 inch puller will work on the control arm bushing. PM should work now, I have to "friend" you first for PMs.

[millwrightman99]

Hey Ed -- were you getting a thump when going over bumps .My wheels have no movement but it thumps over bumps ---- I suspect its the bushings on mine but I really dont see any wear like yours had.----- might just change them in the spring anyway.

[edzgarage]

@millwrightman99 When I was getting thumping it was the struts going bad. I wasn't getting thumping with the bad bushings, but it would wandered around and would shake real bad when stopping at 60+ MPH.

[matthewstephenbrown]

Ed, thanks for the video. Can you post the source of the urethane bushings? Was not able to find them online.

[edzgarage]

@matthewstephenbrown Thanks for the comment! I bought these on eBay from Member id eurasia_parts for $99.

[matthewstephenbrown]

@edzgarage Ed, thanks for the quick response. Fyi, the poly bushings (I'm an mech engineer) probably translate more "road feel" to the car, but will probably last much longer and handle more impact. Segment suggestions for the e46: Sedan rear doors leak (bad sealant on the moisture barrier), plastic water impeller dies early, thermal cycling causes premature radiator failure (plastic sides adjoined to aluminum heat sink), and overactive abs if not flushed yearly dies early. Regards. Matt

[edzgarage]

@matthewstephenbrown Thanks Matt for all the great info! I've been through the radiator problem already. What a pain that was! lol

[matthewstephenbrown]

@edzgarage Eurasia Parts are totally price competitive with any online parts (bought std bushings for $80 that includes shipping for the set). Very surprising. Good job Eurasia Parts, and good find on your behalf.

[edzgarage]

@matthewstephenbrown Thanks Matt. I searched high and low for the best price and this was the best I could find. These bushings are really well made and fit perfect.

[IHcubcadet]

Looks,Great . those new ones look like thew will do the trick.

[edzgarage]

@IHcubcadet They do the job much better than the other ones. Thanks for the comment!

[farmall1938]

Looks good- Isn't working under a car FUN !!!! Only thing I hate more is working under the DASH of a car ! Where do you put your feet ? LOL !

[edzgarage]

@farmall1938 I hear you about working under the dash. That's really no fun! Thanks Farmall.

[1968hambone]

great job Ed.....a much better lookin' bushing for sure!

[edzgarage]

@1968hambone Thanks HB! They perform so much better too.

[johndeeretech10]

gotta love those cordless impacts dont ya ed?!

[edzgarage]

@johndeeretech10 They are the best thing since air tools!

[vidman008]

Body parts are always FUN.. Like when you're putting a cross member back on, and the holes are off by an INCH... You have to get a "come along" to pull things into the right position.. Gotta Love it.. Nice Video Ed.. Take it easy on those Pot Holes...!!

[edzgarage]

@vidman008 I had to use a ratchet strap when reassembling my Audi. Thanks Ron! 

[mbyr31]

Good idea with that nut and washer. I'm gonna have to remember that!

Great work Ed. Those bushings just look better.

[edzgarage]

@mbyr31 Thanks Matt! They perform every bit as good as they look too!

[ghtowagon]

Your supposed to only put new suspension parts in AFTER winter in the spring! Then you can run already bashed up suspension all during the winter so they cant get that much more worn out due to torn up roads. lol.

[edzgarage]

@ghtowagon lol Usually I'm doing these jobs in the freezing cold, so doing it now was pleasure. Hopefully winter will be kind to my car. 

[2024JayZ]

Good video

[edzgarage]

@2024JayZ Thanks buddy!

[2LateIWon]

I love polyurethane bushings. If you have never used them before I think you will love them also. At least handeling wise. It may give you a bit of a stiffer ride though.

Great idea about the nut and washer on the puller!! Thumbs up

[edzgarage]

@2LateIWon Thanks! I can tell a big difference in the handling and ride is close to stock, but a little firmer. It's worth it!

[Needmorehorsepower]

lookin good ed,nice work.to bad you didnt find them the 1st time

[edzgarage]

@Needmorehorsepower Thanks Scott! I knew about these before, but I was too cheap! lol Now I paid even more... lesson learned!

[Needmorehorsepower]

@edzgarage i bet it handles better tracks better and it'll be kinder on the other front end parts amd tires :)

[edzgarage]

@Needmorehorsepower You bet! It's like a totally different car now. The rear stays where it should and now the front goes where I point it! Now it's time for those tires.

[RockinGuy1994]

Dad had A puller like that, And we had to do the same

[edzgarage]

@RockinGuy1994 I used a hammer and beat on them the last time I took them off. This is much easier!

[WhoSaidTyler]

I'm sure that is a good car, but it appears to be maintenance-intensive. Great video!

[edzgarage]

@WhoSaidTyler It's a good car, but it has over 160k miles on it, so just about everything is wearing out.

[500passwords]

nice work as always ed .

being the transporter wears out bushings fast . lol

thumbs up from 500

[edzgarage]

@500passwords Thank 500! How's that computer?

[mallydangerous]

Yes, I know I've said before* Can't edit lol

[edzgarage]

@mallydangerous lol I'll show this one. Thanks for the comment!

[mallydangerous]

Yay! Bimmer stuff! (Yes, I know I've before)

[ShawnCFarm]

I hope your replacement ones are not made in China lol. GM is starting to get there parts made over there and alot of people are not happy but have no choice but put them on.

[edzgarage]

@ShawnCFarm I think the old ones had to be Chinese. These new ones are form the good old USA and made of superior materials! Thanks for the comment!

[805ROADKING]

Great video Ed!! I never seen any kind of bushing wear out that fast. That company wont stay in business very long with quality like that!!☺

[edzgarage]

@805ROADKING That's for sure, bad quality is a companies downfall. Thanks for the comment!

[01DodgeRAM1500V8]

great job ED i bet it was a pain to do them again but at least you shouldn't have to touch them again great job buddy and take care

[edzgarage]

@01DodgeRAM1500V8 Thanks a lot buddy! I hope I'm done with those bushings now.

[mrpolarisindy500]

First. just wanted to say that your videos are great. Keep on making them



[edzgarage]

@mrpolarisindy500 Thanks a lot for that!