Revival of the Subframe Tool Rental - Back In Black!

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by Ctsiegf

......Nice! You went all out. Let us know how the KWs ride.

-Carter

I couldn't pass up the KWs when I spotted a set on e-bay with a $2300 "buy it now" last year. I got the Powerflex full set (CABs/sways/subframe) from Bimmerzone a few weeks ago, they had a special "buy the full set & save offer". Was like getting the CABS for free.

I watch for these specials to keep mod/repair costs in check.

[Ricky Bobby]

Just ordered myself a set of Meyle HD bushings, for 140 I can't complain. The OCD in me would have gotten poly rear bushings from Armstrong for $285 but then I'd have to make myself take the thrust arms off and throw poly in there too to match, and I did Meyle HD arms up there last year.

Will be posting up some pics of the process as I get my car done, in the meantime, when you're ready to rent the tool just post up or shoot a PM. It's up for grabs.

-J

[admranger]

I'll likely be doing the rear subframe next spring or fall (preemptive strike) so I'm interested.

[Ricky Bobby]

Meyle HD arrived today. Will update when I give my X the fresh bushings.

[davintosh]

Way to go, RB! Be sure to build better packaging for it than I used.

BTW, PM incoming with bank account info for your royalty payments.

[ArmyX5]

Hey RB,

I am ready to rent the bushing tools. I just ordered some febi bushing and a complete set of Bilstein Heavy Duty Shocks from ECS Tunning. Let me know if the tool set is available and how to pay for the rental.

[David.X5]

Please add me to the rental list. I am ready any time.

Thanks,

David

[Ricky Bobby]

ArmyX5 you got first rental, ironically enough I just finished my bushings today. Pm sent your way.

David.X5 the tool is yours next when it returns, please pm me your address and PayPal so I may send a payment request, thanks!

[ArmyX5]

PM sent. when you replaced your bushing, did you have to change anything else or did you see anything else that maybe worn out?

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by ArmyX5

PM sent. when you replaced your bushing, did you have to change anything else or did you see anything else that maybe worn out?

Hey Jose I'm gonna try to get this in the mail to you by end of week or so, paypal request will come your way in a couple days.

At 73k on my X5, yes the bushings were due to be replaced. The metal centers were all loose in the middle and basically not attached to the rubber, I haven't driven yet but I can imagine it will make a big difference. It has been debated that the MT models might be slightly rougher on the subframe bushings as well because the power tends to be shifted more abruptly through the rear of the car.

I already did my rear sway bar links and bushings just because it was cheap and easy. I mean everything looks pretty good and nothing stood out as "worn out" but all bits are 11 years of age, showing some surface rust and wear, so I worry about the rubber pieces/bushings, etc. I will be doing my wishbone control arm, lower ball joint, integral link, and guide links within the next year or so, as I already finished the whole front end last year. Last thing I would do is a new set of fresh shocks in the rear.


Like I've said and mentioned many times, irregardless of mileage on the car, anything with rubber has an age lifespan too, my miles are extremely low on my car which is great, but my suspension, driveline components all wear fairly equally to a car thats the same age but has 100k more miles.

I chose to do the subframe bushings first because they don't affect alignment too much, whereas the lower ball joint/integral link, wishbone, guide link all control alignment to an extent so I'd like to do those "all in one shot" so I can just get one alignment and be done for a while.