WTB/Rent Subframe Bushing Tool

[davintosh]

The subframe bushings on my new-to-me e53 are shot -- lots of clunking going on when engaging the clutch in the lower gears -- so need to be replaced. I dove into the job this morning hoping that my home-brew bridge and a puller would work, but it didn't. There just wasn't enough of the bushing's lip extending past the subframe for the puller's jaws to get a grip. All it did was chip a couple of shards from it.

Renting a tool is possible; there's one that was mentioned in this thread in the UK, but I'd like to get into the job next week, and shipping might be an issue. So, I'm hoping that someone stateside has one available to rent. If you do, or know someone who does, please let me know.


I could of course spend the ~$300 on a tool of my own (I'd still be $$ ahead compared to having a shop do it, plus I could perhaps rent it out after), or build one, but thought I'd check around before going in either of those directions.

Thanks!

[Cisc0]

Bavauto.com has one for sale in the U.S. BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport

Part# KT20231

[epdarks]

If you end up buying it, there is a good chance I would rent it from you in the near future. You could end up getting your money back out of it if you could find a few others to rent to.

[Cisc0]

The tool is less than $200. If there are any NYC/NJ members that need to replace their subframe bushings maybe we can purchase this tool collectively, perform the job all together then rent or sell the tool.

[davintosh]

Originally Posted by Cisc0

Bavauto.com has one for sale in the U.S. BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport

Part# KT20231

Thanks, Cisc0, but that's a much smaller tool than what is needed for the subframe bushings;

This tool easily extracts and installs the forward differential mounting bushings that mount the differential into the subframe.
Use tool # KT20297 to remove and install the rear differential mount that mounts the rear of the differential to the subframe.

It'll pull & install #7 & #9 in the diagram; I'm working on #2 (x4!)

Originally Posted by epdarks

If you end up buying it, there is a good chance I would rent it from you in the near future. You could end up getting your money back out of it if you could find a few others to rent to.

I was kinda hoping there might be some interest in that option; I'll see if I can cobble something together this weekend. If it doesn't work out, and I can't find a rental, I'll pull the trigger on the purchase Monday morning.

[TwinTurboGTR]

I think SLick has a blue print on how to make one fast and cheap. Like under $15.00 cheap. Its just a threaded rod, various size large washers, and a few nylock nuts and regular nuts.

Also, someone made another one for under $20 with use of a modified pitman arm puller and 3 jaw puller. Lemme see if I can find it.

[SlickGT1]

I have to be at work to check my links. That tool you made, I was also wondering if it would work. I made a thread on it once. Why did it fail can you take pics? I am really curious what it would take to make it work.

I was thining of buying it actually. I have to talk to my CEO though. I have more tools than most households have clothes. I'll ask Craig if he can get it for me. I bet he can get it for less. I'll rent it out too. I'll let you guys know if my CEO approves, lol. I guess thats my excuse to become premeir member, lol.

[davintosh]

With mine, the bridge worked ok, but the puller just couldn't get a grip on the bushing lip. There just wasn't enough of it sticking past the edge of the subframe, so it would just pop off & take a little chunk of the metal with it. In one place there was a good 1/16" of it sticking out, but nothing on the opposite side. Once I get the bushing out I'll have to see if the thickness difference is on the bushing's lip or the subframe.

This thread -- Subframe bushing removal, tool rental/purchase - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum -- holds some serious promise. I picked up some more 3/4 x 1/4 bar stock today, and have some 1/4" plate left over from another project that can be cut down for the follower plate. I have my doubts about whether the all-thread and standard nuts will stand up very well. They're cheap enough though.

[steelheader]

just drop the sub frame and beat it out !!! Its a great workout ,a large pointed drift and abig hammer or air chizel works.Then take threaded rod and a ball joint press kit from autozone to get the new one in. Start at the top and it breaks up in pieces then falls out .I wasnt spending 300 bucks on a tool to use once .Where theres a will theres a way !!!!

[SlickGT1]

What no pics?