Bushings Replacement DIY for Rear Lower Control Arm / Swing arm

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by mscanlon74

I've read thru this entire thread and it is going to be very helpful in replacing the bushings on my X5.

Does anyone remember the diameter of the bore for these bushings in the control arm? I picked up a ball joint service kit yesterday from Harbor Freight.

I can't find that Sir Tools 3027 adapter for sale anywhere.

I figure if I at least knew the diameter of the adapter that pushes out the old bushing, I could get the adapter that came with the kit turned down a little so that it would be slightly undersized to the bore in the control arm.

Thanks in advance

When I changed mine to poly I just used a saw to cut them out. Takes longer than pressing them, but if you don't have the right size it works.

[mscanlon74]

Thanks for the reply back. I just went ahead and ordered the PSB bushings. They look like they will end up being a better design with the inner metal sleeve not bonded to the rubber. The ease of installation seems like it alone is worth the higher cost of these too.

I did see that suggested approach of sawing the old ones out. I've seen a few places say to use a torch on the rubber and burn that out first, then use a saw on the remaining metal sleeve.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by mscanlon74

Thanks for the reply back. I just went ahead and ordered the PSB bushings. They look like they will end up being a better design with the inner metal sleeve not bonded to the rubber. The ease of installation seems like it alone is worth the higher cost of these too.

I did see that suggested approach of sawing the old ones out. I've seen a few places say to use a torch on the rubber and burn that out first, then use a saw on the remaining metal sleeve.

I agree on the polys. Been very happy with them. You can use the saw on the rubber part as well. I just ran the blade around the inside to cut the rubber out, then cut the metal sleeve. The rubber stinks and makes a huge mess when it burns.

[mscanlon74]

That's kind of what I figured with the rubber and trying to burn it out.

I'm just glad there are the replacement bushings, spending $600 for a control arm is not the path I wanted to take.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by mscanlon74

I've read thru this entire thread and it is going to be very helpful in replacing the bushings on my X5.

Does anyone remember the diameter of the bore for these bushings in the control arm? I picked up a ball joint service kit yesterday from Harbor Freight.

I can't find that Sir Tools 3027 adapter for sale anywhere.

I figure if I at least knew the diameter of the adapter that pushes out the old bushing, I could get the adapter that came with the kit turned down a little so that it would be slightly undersized to the bore in the control arm.

Thanks in advance

Aliexpress?

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale...all+joint+tool

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by mscanlon74

That's kind of what I figured with the rubber and trying to burn it out.

I'm just glad there are the replacement bushings, spending $600 for a control arm is not the path I wanted to take.

FCP Euro has control arms for $40 or $97 for Lemforder depending on whether you're talking tension strut or control arm. Control arms are $40, tension struts $97. Lemforder is OEM.

[mscanlon74]

What I am calling the lower control arm is also called the swing arm, part number 33326770744, it's sold at $599 on FCP Euro. If you check ECS Tuning they tell you that these bushings are not replaceable, even though we know they are. They had these control arms form $533.

I got under the X5 again and tried to measure the bushing bore size in the control arm while not disassembling anything yet. Not the most accurate method by any means, but the range was 49.5-50.0 mm with some calipers (around 1-15/16" & 1-31/32").

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by mscanlon74

What I am calling the lower control arm is also called the swing arm, part number 33326770744, it's sold at $599 on FCP Euro. If you check ECS Tuning they tell you that these bushings are not replaceable, even though we know they are. They had these control arms form $533.

I got under the X5 again and tried to measure the bushing bore size in the control arm while not disassembling anything yet. Not the most accurate method by any means, but the range was 49.5-50.0 mm with some calipers (around 1-15/16" & 1-31/32").

I didn't realize those were what you were talking about. For sure you want to replace the bushings. If you do go with original bushings you have to compress them to get them in. You can do that with a couple hose clamps. Depending on the brand of poly bushing you put in, may still have to press them in. You lube them with silicon grease and then press them in.

[mscanlon74]

I ended up buying both, ordered the original bushings from FCP a few days ago. Then I saw the posts about the poly bushings while trying to figure out the bore size, thought about it more and decide to splurge on the PSB bushings today. From the sounds of it, people who have put the poly bushings in the car have good things to say about them.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by mscanlon74

What I am calling the lower control arm is also called the swing arm, part number 33326770744, it's sold at $599 on FCP Euro. If you check ECS Tuning they tell you that these bushings are not replaceable, even though we know they are. They had these control arms form $533.

I got under the X5 again and tried to measure the bushing bore size in the control arm while not disassembling anything yet. Not the most accurate method by any means, but the range was 49.5-50.0 mm with some calipers (around 1-15/16" & 1-31/32").

Might find something in Amazon with an adapter outer diameter that's close.
https://www.amazon.com/Orion-Motor-T...8271790&sr=8-1