Rear Suspension Refresh Questions

[oldskewel]

Good that you have the tool for the subframe bushings. I found it made the whole job very easy for me (2001 3.0i, spring suspension).
Here's a thread with details:
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ml#post1206909

I'm in CA, and there is very little rust anywhere, so dropping the exhaust is pretty easy, and is what I did to access the rear bushings. But I can see that if that is difficult, you'd need to resort to bending the hanger.

At 206k miles, I'm on original springs all around, original giubo, diffs, AT, rear axles (boots too). I replaced almost all the suspension parts, front and rear, as needed, since getting the car around 170k miles 8 years ago. I think in general, my car has lived a pretty easy life, as compared to the wearing out stories I read on here, so factor that in as you consider my reports.

Many things, including the subframe bushings were replaced mainly because everyone else on here was talking about them. I can't say I found them in terrible condition when I finally removed them around 200k, but it was easy and pretty cheap. At the time I was trying to make the car perfect before my daughter took it off to school ... and since then, I've found an engine problem and kind of wish I had not done all that.

Biggest, most important suspension work I did was the rear suspension "ball joints" that had failed and were causing the extreme tire wear that probably caused the PO to unload the car for cheap.

[X5chemist]

Power tool removal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjeGUrKmJ08

Maybe to cut the bushing out. I would use a hacksaw to cut the sleeve.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

The clunk that you describe is most likely failed rear subframe bushings. Which at that mileage, you can absolutely assume are completely trashed.

The good news is that you can do the subframe bushings on the car with almost no disassembly in an hour (if you work fast), or two (if you're slow). This does require the special tool.

If you are on a time and money budget, the bang for buck items are:
front thrust arms
rear subframe bushings.
front control arms

I would try to do more than that, but that's the absolute minimum.

Could also be rear differential bushings. I replaced my rear subframe bushings due to clunk when stopping backing up. Still getting the clunk. Only thing likely to be causing that noise now are the differential bushings. Next up on my to do list.

[TCMoto]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Could also be rear differential bushings. I replaced my rear subframe bushings due to clunk when stopping backing up. Still getting the clunk. Only thing likely to be causing that noise now are the differential bushings. Next up on my to do list.

That's what I was originally thinking. Specifically the rear bush in the subframe. It appears cracked on my almost 18 year old E53. I could see the guibo causing it too. I'm planning to replace everything rubber in the rear including the guibo at the transfer case. At 129k it has a lot life left in it and if I'm going to tear it all apart I only want to do it one time. Winter is coming and I don't have a heated garage. The work may have to wait until spring. Until then I'll be smooth upon take off and cringe every time it clunks.

[TCMoto]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Yes, you are too far away or I would lend you the tool.

You can find pics of my refresh here: https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...an-gasket.html

Thanks for offer. I have the tool and joints squirreled away for the future.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Rear subframe bushings are such a quick and easy job by themselves. You’re crazy to wait through the winter before doing them.