control arm bushings?

[TiAgX5]

There's an easy trick to installing Powerflex bushings, use a 1/2 x 6 bolt and washers to PULL the bushing into/thru the control arm with the metal sleeve installed in the bushing (bolt/sleeve aligns the bushing). Pressing them in is difficult.

The pic above shows the hard part, getting the old ones out.

[bcredliner]

If you haven't done suspension before I suggest buying a kit containing OEM pieces that don't require removing or pressing bushings. Costs more but makes it much easier to DIY. It will still be a significant savings if you have a shop do the work.

[Riggodeaux]

Revisiting this old thread as I'm at the point where I have to do the thrust/control arm bushings and ball joints. I'm also getting close to a front brake job so I'll do that as well. I'll get the Meyle HD bushings in new arms and ball joints, but am looking for the best DIY instruction sheet to convince me to save hundreds and do this job myself. Where is the best DIY for this front suspension work? Thanks in advance.

[upallnight]

Get the right tools and the job will go a lot easier. Get a real ball joint separator, not one of those pickle fork. If you have access to a lift use a lift. I can rent a bay with a lift in my town for 20 bucks an hour plus the use of his air tools.

[Riggodeaux]

Lift would be nice, I'll look into that. I will certainly pick up the magic ball joint lever, either the nicer German version or at least the harbor tools knockoff if I do it myself. I'm too old to manhandle it with the pickle stick. Still looking for a good comprehensive DIY, though.

[Riggodeaux]

I do see, at page two of this thread, a link to a Ron Stultz? DIY
BMW X5 - How to Replace Upper Control Arm (Tension) and Ball Joint.

[stiubhartach]

The Harbor Freight ball joint tools don't work. I tried them and a rental from a parts store. They were too small. 3 days and no luck. Finally bought a knockoff of the BMW tool. Off in 5 minutes.

This is the one I used. Notice the threaded piece in the center, that's what is needed to open wider.

Ball Joint separator press tool BMW Mercedes Audi Mini

[bcredliner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_An0EkkwI6U

[MINIz guy]

AST W0133 2042364 AST Front Lower Heavy Duty Polyurethane Control Arm Bushing | eBay

BMW E53 E83 x3 x5 2 Premium Polyurethane Front Control Arm Bushings 04 10 | eBay

Anybody try the above polyurethane bushings for our trucks?

Definitely have a pronounced shimmy in the steering wheel when braking. I checked the ball joints for both the lower/upper control arm and they're good. The upper control arm bushing is also still good but the lower one moves a lot when I pry on it.

My plan of attack is to drill/cut out the old bushing and then press one of the poly bushings in with a c-clamp.

[stiubhartach]

I used them in a Jeep. They transmit every bump and noise in the road. Better handling, but very rough ride. Also, can't just use them on one side. Have to do both to be balanced.