Quote:
Originally Posted by David D
Sort of like being married, huh? 
Seriously, thank you both for the confirmation. I feel better about replacing everything and knowing that it's good for another 100K+.
I'll look into the special tool for the subframe. I knew that one is needed for the ball joints, but hadn't gotten as far as the subframe tool. Is there an aftermarket tool available? |
Yeah, like so many BMW tools it’s a one and done sort of thing. You’ll use it once to do the subframe bushings and never need it again. I’d did the rear ball joints with a “normal” bushing press that had extra large cups that I borrowed.
Id lend you the subframe tool, but I traded it to a guy for something else… that I can’t recall right now.
The front axle refresh is all driveway work (a lift would definitely make things easier tho). The biggest challenge, in my experience, can be getting the tension strut ball joint, and wishbone ball joint, out of the bearing carrier/hub. There is a not so expensive tool for the wishbone ball joint, but the tension strut piece is a separate one and can really be stuck. I’m sure there is a tool as well, and I’ve found that wailing on it with a big hammer tends to work.
Finally, anything with a rubber bushing needs to get the final torque done with the weight of the car on it.