rear subframe bushing diy
 

Can't seem to find any DIYs for rear subframe bushings for the E70 (except the TIS procedure). Lots for the E53. Anyone know of a DIY reference?



Anyone done their bushings? What else to do while I'm in there?

I would think to check your flex disc and center support bearing in the driveshaft. U-joints on driveshaft. transmission mounts. I generally have a "rebuild assembly" type approach to major maintenance events such as this. At the mileage you're replacing rear subframe bushings (special tools E53), every other bushing in the rear suspension is suspect or certain.

The longer symptoms have been present, the longer vibrations have been going through the rest of the chassis/drivetrain.

What is your mileage?

130k km. Symptom is lateral (side to side) oscillation at the rear. If I shove the vehicle sideways at the rear, it oscillates back and forth for about 1.5s. Handling feels loose and unsteady from the rear, but no knocking or other noises. Rear air bags (self-leveling suspension) and shocks are new, as well as both front control arms and struts. Oscillation at the rear is not up and down, but side to side.

I suspect rear axle carrier (subframe) bushings. I will have a helper rock the vehicle side to side while I observe from underneath. If it is the subframe bushings, I'll likely do all of the various control arms and ball joints while I'm in there.

What I'd really like to know is it possible to replace the subframe bushings without dropping the whole subframe, as I've seen in some E53 videos. I don't have a lift, so dropping the subframe would seem to be a difficult job on jack stands.

Typically rear subframe will start as a clunk when changing between power and coast. I dont think you will get side to side play without the notorious clunk.

Nope - no clunking or noises of any kind. Will do the wiggle test shortly and report back.

Seems WAY young for SF bushes.

So many other rubber parts get pounded more before the SF bushes will feel it....

Initial wiggle test shows a minor bit of tire sidewall deflection (I'm running non runflats), but there's something else contributing. Will do more this weekend.


Vehicle has accident history from PO; there was a collision repair in the right rear. Accident or perhaps substandard repair may have contributed to something wearing out earlier than normal. I'll give that side extra scrutiny.

I would say look at the right rear solely, and the other side extra or for comparison. :)


Maybe take it in for an alignment consultation, see what you need to replace before they can align?
How many miles since repair?
If you have a safe way to do so, jack up the right rear and see if there is any play. There should be zero except rotational. You can normally feel bad bearings by hand this way. I would be suspect of bearing, possibly caused by impact, poor alignment, or unseen/unrepaired existing damage.

Just got around to refreshing the rear suspension. Shocks and air springs were previously replaced. Replaced all 4 upper control arms, integral links, ball joints, and sway bar end links. Did not replace axle carrier bushings because it's beyond my ability. Didn't replace lower swing arm inner bushings because you can't buy them separately and the swing arms are very expensive.



Brutal job. Bolts holding upper control arms to the rear axle carrier were seized into the control arm bushings. Had to cut them all off with a reciprocating saw. Went through about 20 metal cutting blades in the process. Needed to pause a few times to consult a thesaurus, as I had run out of 4 letter words.


Replaced tie rods also because I apparently didn't get enough punishment in my freezing cold garage. Getting an alignment tomorrow.


Initial test drive around the block was much better - side to side sway from the rear is greatly reduced. I'll know more after a longer test drive after the alignment.

Thanks for the update. I’ve done the job you just did, but on an E46. Looking under the E70... it looks like a much worse job! And doesn’t help that everything is heavier.