Replacing rear suspension

[Isambard]

Hi all,

Been reading up on a few posts here regarding replacing the rear suspension parts, namely due to the premature wear to the inside of the tyres. Which I am currently experiencing.

Just wanted to know if replacing these parts #6 and #11, are just 'nuts and bolts' or do they require special tooling/methods/setting-up to replace?

Also, there seems to be alot of differing opinions' as to whether the camber (I also read someone mention toe-is that possible on the rear?) should be adjusted or indeed left at the factory settings. Anyone care to clarify?

Thanks

[mywidebody02]

6 is easy but 11 is a little more work. No special tools as long as you buy the whole piece not just the bushings.

[Isambard]

Thanks pal-I was going to buy the pieces whole... Do I need to slacken/drop anything else off to gain access etc, or is it just a straight 'in and out' job?

[mywidebody02]

Need to let the air out of the rear bags.

[01X5Guy]

Originally Posted by mywidebody02

Need to let the air out of the rear bags.

Ah hah!! That was my problem! I replaced part 6 with relative ease but could not remove number 11 due to the pressure the bag was putting on it.. wow.. wish I had known this days ago.

What's the procedure for deflating the bags?

[01X5Guy]

NM - I like used the search function or something crazy like that. lol

To deflate - pull the fuse?

To inflate follow procedure below?

This is direct quote from SkidmarkX5

"Pleased to announce to the Blogosphere that There is a Procedure for refilling the rear air bags after deflating to install the rear wishbone control arm.

1.Front tires on the ground first.
2.Then rear tires on and tight enuf to handle the load.
3. Then s-l-o-w-l-y lower the vehicle with floor jack located in the center rear of the car.
As the Height Control Sensors articulate, the valve from the air resevoir opens and fills the bags. Its very quiet. I turned the tunes off in the shop so I could hear this & could not until the compressor came on .
Before the compressor came on I was under the car doin a reach around to feel for the bags. (making Double Damn Sure I do not FUBAR my Bags). Yup! They were tight! So, I have to admit the local dealer came through for me on this one (After I made my Appt. to perform the alignment & perform a system update I figured they might want to help me get out of the garage and into their facility). So, I will be taking the X5 to them this week for the Alignment and get the computers updated, Ride Height Re-Calibrated, Headlights aimed, Transmission reprogrammed....
Hopefully I do NOT need to R&R those lower swing Arm Bushings. Will get that Rear Control Arm Procedure(with PICS) up here one of these days. This Rear Air Suspension event was very well-rec'd my friends. Happy Drifting to you all..."

[SkidmarkX5]

SKidmarkX5 Here. Yup That works just fine for refilling the bags. I heard about a fuse you can pull & replace in the glove box. I can't see those damn things w/o reading glasses.
Feeling a bit guilty about the pics. The kids got a hold of the camera before I could download. There is always the passenger side comming up before too long.
Recomend a thorough clean up & Treatment of the bags & CV Boots while you are in there.
Best to you all.
Skid..

[Isambard]

Originally Posted by mywidebody02

Need to let the air out of the rear bags.

Ok, cool. And how is this done?

[SkidmarkX5]

Its right out of the Bently Manual. (BAVAuto has'em on sale right now)
In the trunk, after you remove the spare tire, on the passenger side just behind the back seat, is an air distribution manifold with two different colored (mine are red & blue) plastic air hoses. Fastened with a compression fitting. Loosen those compression fittings until you hear air hissing out. Give it 10 minutes or so. Then tighten back up - snug, not too tight.
There ya GO!

[windy]

Originally Posted by 01X5Guy

doin a reach around to feel for the bags.

Is it only me that chuckles at this?