Revival of the Subframe Tool Rental - Back In Black!

[ArmyX5]

Jay,

Thanks for the information. Like I posted above, I am replacing my shocks at the same time and maybe the wheel bearing in the rear. I already replaced almost everything in the front, including the wheel bearing. The sway bar links and the shocks are the last suspension items that are still original. I am hoping to stop the mysterious, small steering vibration that no one seem to find a fix for it (60-80mph, when braking).

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

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.

With the auto transmission 'slam', I'm not so sure about shock being more in a manual transmission car!

Interesting to hear that the bushings were shot after only 73k miles. Guess I'll have to get my name on the list once it cools down here (say December timeframe...).

Did the lower ball joint feel solid or was there some play? Like you, I'd like to do the major alignment affecting pieces in one swell foop.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by admranger

With the auto transmission 'slam', I'm not so sure about shock being more in a manual transmission car!

Interesting to hear that the bushings were shot after only 73k miles. Guess I'll have to get my name on the list once it cools down here (say December timeframe...).

Did the lower ball joint feel solid or was there some play? Like you, I'd like to do the major alignment affecting pieces in one swell foop.

Hey Kirk, I actually didn't get a chance to jack up the air spring and check it for looseness, but my rear right side only is able to get down to -2.9 degrees of camber so I know I have a worn wishbone or lower ball joint on that side. I'll be doing both on both sides when I hit my next round of rear suspension and then align it all and be done for a few years back there.

Side note, HUGE difference driving on the highway with the fresh Meyle HD bushings, tighter from the rear, less vibrations thansmitted from the road, just an all around much more solid drive, I had no clue that these would make such a difference. Shifts are smoother too, before it was very clunky.

[admranger]

Cool beans, RB. I'm going to tackle the whole thing at once when I go in there.

[Ricky Bobby]

Jose (ArmyX5), paypal request has been sent! If it's paid today I will ship out tomorrow AM for your use.

Next in queue is David.X5, if anyone wants to line up their slot after Jose and David please PM me, it is first come first serve...

[ArmyX5]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Jose (ArmyX5), paypal request has been sent! If it's paid today I will ship out tomorrow AM for your use.

Next in queue is David.X5, if anyone wants to line up their slot after Jose and David please PM me, it is first come first serve...

Jay,


Payment has been sent! Thanks.

Jose

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by ArmyX5

Jay,


Payment has been sent! Thanks.

Jose

Just replied to your PM Jose it will be on its way tomorrow morning for you! Enjoy your rental hope all goes smoothly, I also sent you my cell if you have any questions when using it

[ArmyX5]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Just replied to your PM Jose it will be on its way tomorrow morning for you! Enjoy your rental hope all goes smoothly, I also sent you my cell if you have any questions when using it

Will do.

[ArmyX5]

So, I finally finished replacing all my Subframe bushings and also a nice set of these




It took me longer than I what I though because I had some issues with the subframe tools. As you can see in the picture below, the tool's legs were spraying as more pressure was applied. I am not sure if I am the only one that experienced this, but this tool set should have a clamp or something to prevent this from happening. Luckily, I had a clamp that I was able to use.







Jay,

Here is the tool kit, cleaned and ready to be shipped out tomorrow. Thanks for doing this.

[admranger]

ArmyX5 -- you're gonna love the Bilstein sports. Watch those front springs! Lotsa power in those beasts!