Few Random Technical ?'s

[winstontj]

First: I have Haynes & Chilton & decent BMW experience. Is there a better manual to get than the combo of what I already have? (if so could you please share why)

Second: Is there a need to preload OE bushings? It looks like the PO didn't preload stock rubber bushings and now they are wearing really badly and cracking. Do I need to weight the seats/fill the gas tank to preload? I guess this is a question for a BMW factory manual owner.

Third: Since PO seems to have effed up the "all new bushings" as advertised in the FS ad I'll be replacing all my bushings. Can someone verify this list please?

Control arm bush (L&R), swaybar bush (2xF&R), sway end links (2xF&R), R. Subframe mounts (2), R upper shock mounts (L&R), Trailing arm (2x L&R), Diff bush (1).

Is that it? Can the inner/outer ball joints on the control arms be replaced or do they come with a new control arm? Should I replace the control arms? Suspension is OK but something is off and the soft urethane has already been decided. Is there more up front that I'm missing like a compliance or radius rod or something?

Thanks,
TJW

[lordofthewaters]

First: I have Haynes & Chilton & decent BMW experience. Is there a better manual to get than the combo of what I already have? (if so could you please share why)

Second: Is there a need to preload OE bushings? It looks like the PO didn't preload stock rubber bushings and now they are wearing really badly and cracking. Do I need to weight the seats/fill the gas tank to preload? I guess this is a question for a BMW factory manual owner.

Third: Since PO seems to have effed up the "all new bushings" as advertised in the FS ad I'll be replacing all my bushings. Can someone verify this list please?

Control arm bush (L&R), swaybar bush (2xF&R), sway end links (2xF&R), R. Subframe mounts (2), R upper shock mounts (L&R), Trailing arm (2x L&R), Diff bush (1).

Is that it? Can the inner/outer ball joints on the control arms be replaced or do they come with a new control arm? Should I replace the control arms? Suspension is OK but something is off and the soft urethane has already been decided. Is there more up front that I'm missing like a compliance or radius rod or something?

Thanks,
TJW

Bentley .

I think your list is about correct.

As for the ball joints on the CA's yes you can just press the old one out and new ones in. I think several people here will tell you it's better to replace the whole arm though. I personally haven't seen any problems with it...........

[winstontj]

What about suspension/bushing preload?

[nando]

don't think so.. just the opposite actually. once you get the cabs in, you need to drop the car to the ground and let it sit overnight until the lubricant dries out. use dishsoap and hot water to lubricate them so you can press them onto the control arms (dawn, etc). what you don't want to do is leave the car in the air and have them dry with the suspension drooped..

[winstontj]

ahhh.... which would be like preloading them the wrong way. So you let them dry before you tighten? Is this in the manual or just a trick? I'll be installing urethane does that still apply?

OH & THANK YOU... I would have NEVER KNOWN THAT

[Mike325]

For your cabs, you install them 100%. Then when the car goes down, leave it overnight. This lets them set in place. Yes, you get every thing tight before you let it down. Get it so if you were going to drive it, you could.

Where in boston are you? Maybe I could give you a hand on some stuff if needed.

[winstontj]

I'm in Charlestown. I do most of my work in either Rhode Island or in Carver, MA because I live in a brownstone apartment in Charlestown. I live downtown in a 900sqft apartment and the car lives in a heated parking garage.

Framingham is pretty close depending on effing route 9....

[Mike325]

Screw rt.9. I would take the pike. Right down to exit 18. Thats how I get to herb chambers for work.

[winstontj]

Thats how I get to herb chambers for work.

you work at herb chambers?

[Mike325]

Yes. I am a tech. For BMW of course;)