Replacing Rear lower control arm Bushing
 

Has anyone replaced the BUSHING alone?

Seems the whole control arm needs to be replaced at 500.00.

I dont feel like dropping 500.00 when the bushing alone needs to be replaced and that part is only 30-50 bucks.

Anyone able to do that?

Yes,

Search here,there are some threads with part #s etc.

are you talking about the tension strut that extends forward from the lower steering knuckle? or the control rod that goes from the steering knuckle inboard to the frame? either are reasonably easy to change out, the bushing on the tension rod can be done without anything more than a few pieces of pipe and a vise :)

If you're talking about the control arm in the rear of the vehicle, I replaced mine. I cut out the stock ones and replaced them with polyurethane ones.

No - although I got fairly close last year when overhauling the rear suspension, so I took a good look at what it would take if this was necessary once I'd got into the task. (In the end, the only parts that were really worn were the lower arm balljoint and the wishbone outer bush. I changed both top arms and the balljoint while the car was in the air).

To your point, the two inner bushes can be removed from the rear lower arm once you have the arm off the car, and the bushes replaced: my local parts stores hold both bushes in stock from various manufacturers. You don't need to buy another lower arm but you should get access to a press as I would imagine they will be fun to remove and replace without.

The outer joint that's called a 'rose' joint can be replaced with the arm on the vehicle. Testing it for play requires unloading the tension from the arm by setting a jack stand under the spring perch.

See: BMW DIY Video – Rear Suspension Lower Ball-Joint Bushing Removal-Replace E39 E38 Others | Bavarian Autosport Blog

Joshdub: If you're talking about the control arm in the rear of the vehicle, I replaced mine. I cut out the stock ones and replaced them with polyurethane ones.

THIS!

Can you share where you got the bushing for the Rear Lower control arm?

Here is the backstory on this thread.......................................

I noticed EXTREME wear on the very very inside of the rear tires
I went to have an alignment
I wanted to reduce the negative camber to 1 degree or less
Alignment shop said couldnt set up alignment due to upper control bushing being shot
Took X5 to get UPPER bushing replaced
My wrench told me it was NOT the upper control arm bushing, it was LOWER bushing
BMW recommends the ENTIRE lower control arm be replaced NOT just the bushing
The entire swing arm unit is 500.00
I don't want to have a total bill of 2K for a 40-50.00 bushing

Sssooooooooooooooooo I am looking for the brain-trust input!

I am 100% CONFIDENT someone one here has found a way to replace JUST the broken part which is the BUSHING, and not replace the entire Lower Control Arm housing that includes the 50.00 bushing.......

There you have it.......

Insight?

I replaced all of the rear end wear parts.

These are what I used for the rear lower control arm

BMW X5 E53 00-06 Rear Lower Arm Bush Kit Front & Rear Position x2 - PSB 653 654 | eBay

You could also just use a OE/OEM bushing for a lot less. I just wanted to go poly and I was doing it all myself without a hydraulic press.

Replace the whole arm? That's nuts.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

Audiophool,...... ya I know, I was taken back a bit. glad I can refer back you guys for REAL insight..... gotta love these forums!