Hey Jose, glad you got the job done safely!

For what it's worth you should have given me a call, because you used the removal tool wrong LOL.

The tool needs to be fitted 90 degrees to where you had it, there are small cutouts on the bushing and those curved "feet" actually sit on the metal subframe can and are what's bracing the tool for removal.

The reason the legs spayed out is because they weren't being supported on the metal subframe can. It looks like the tool didn't get damaged though which is good!

The exhaust hanger is in the way and I had to hold the muffler out of the way even after bending the bracket, it's a tight squeeze but it's the only way to get the removal tool on there properly.

Removal would have been MUCH easier if the gated portion was fitted right but I'm glad you got it done Jose, and enjoy the new bushings and those sweet Bilstein shocks!

Just a note for those in line --

This is a good and quick video on proper use of the tool.

BMW e53 Subframe Bushing R&R - YouTube

Jay,

Wow, stupid me, I should have called you. I just saw the picture in the instruction for the kit and though, this couldn't be that hard, lol. Now that I saw the Video from Gavski, I see what I did wrong. Lesson learned for me and everyone else in line for the tool.

Thanks Gavski. I should have paid more attentions to this video. I just saw the picture in the instruction and set it up as in the picture.

Hey, I know that shadowy figure in the video. :D

FWIW, I also wrote up a step-by-step instruction sheet for doing the bushings; it's on Page 4 of my old SfBR&R tool rental thread; http://www.xoutpost.com/922324-post39.html

RB: Feel free to copy/paste those instructions for your thread & tool, and include a copy in the box you send out. You'll find my royalty fees to be very affordable. ;)

Bumping this, Dave I actually added your whole step by step on the first post of this thread already, HAHA!

I sent an email to Baum Tools to see if I can get a replacement for most of the pieces of #1, to be fair to others who rent the tool, it is usable but the smooth rods have been nicked so the "cross braces" get hung up on the tool and you can't adjust it outward/inward past a certain point without whacking it with a hammer. As well, the adjustable cross brace is slightly bent inwards, I'm worried about it becoming worse as it's used more, those braces need to be straight vertical to brace the subframe can as the bushing is pulled out.

http://www.xoutpost.com/members/davi...-diagram-1.jpg

I sent Jose (ArmyX5) a message and hope he understands I want to send it out for the next rental at 100% to the next renter, to be used as I used it without having to rig the tool or whack it with a hammer to get it to work properly.

That is why I am currently putting the rental on hold to see how much the replacement for #1 is in the kit. I'm guessing it's not cheap since it's a main part of the kit, but I will update.


For future renters in the meantime, please read the DIY instructions in the first post two or three times prior to using the tool, and I do provide my cell phone number with each rental in case you need assistance using it properly, because I know quite well we all can get stuck sometimes.

Guys the replacement of that piece is way too high (almost the price of the kit at $230 and would take 4-6 weeks to obtain), Jose was kind enough to volunteer to let me hold his security deposit and rent the tool to the next in line, if it can still be used without issue then we will continue with the rentals as usual and I would send back his $140

I expect there should be no issues with use but I am erring on the side of caution, Jose said if there was issues he would put the purchase towards a new kit and I would send him the damaged one.


I sent an email to the person who said they would like to be next in line, anyone else ready to rent?

Going out to David.X5 over the weekend

The tools have been returned. Worked great!

Took me about an hour per side. I bent the hangers out of the way using a 15" crescent wrench for leverage. I then heated them briefly with a torch to a dull red color to remove the work hardening and bent them back when done.

Found two completely torn up bushings and two that looked ok ... seemed strange, but perhaps the PO had replaced just two of them.

Sadly, still have the metallic clunk I was chasing from the undercarriage, so I guess this fall I will have to look closer at the transfer case chain.

Thanks!!

Did you check the rear sway bar mounts the links?