Rear Subframe Bushes

[Sundayjumper]

Originally Posted by Patrick-Irish

Why can't you just drill, cut or otherwise hack the old bushes out ?

You absolutely can, but with the tool it's no more than a couple of minutes per bush instead of cutting and drilling and swearing for ages each time.

When I fitted Powerflex bushes to the front thrust arms I cut the old ones, that wasn't too bad, but the rear subframe bushes are much larger and will take correspondingly longer to cut. There's four of them and access is not so good at the back either.

So not essential, no, but it saves quite a bit of time & hassle.

[Quarryman]

If you're in the UK Specialist Garage Tools For Hire can offer the necessary tool and supply all four bushes if necessary. The tool is also supplied with a ratchet spanner which saves a lot of hard work!

[upallnight]

You need to get one of these if you're going to do your rear sub frame bushing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePSQv-b9nYk

[Quarryman]

Not true - this post is for the E53, not the E39 - it's a different tool!

[upallnight]

The concept is to use a hydraulic press to remove and install the bushings. I'm sure the company that produce the tool will also have a tool that will work on an E53. The hydraulic power unit is universal, only the plates and cup maybe different.

The following wiki on the BMW E53 mention that the X5 share it's underpinning with the 5 series BMW.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_X5

If I found a video in which an E53 was used I would have posted that link.

[Quarryman]

Yes I see what you mean - not sure how practical it would be at home mind you - looks like you need a lot of clearance beneath the subframe and I wonder how big the hydraulic power pack is? I assume someone else is required to operate the pump. it would probably last forever though - no screw thread to wear out etc.