Made a tool to remove rear subframe bushings

[omar510]

I got this idea from bimmerforums. It makes removing the bushings super simple and the guy in their video did it in less than 5 minutes including jacking up the car. I got the bushing to come out but tried several methods to get the bushing back in but only got it half way in. Anyone have any better ideas? I need to get this car ready for school on monday. Thanks

[KenC]

Tool looks great.

Lube and a big hammer?

[george graves]

Drop the subframe or make another tool.

[omar510]

I cant put force on the inner bushing right?

[george graves]

You mean the center metal tube? You can but it won't do anything for you - it will flex an inch or more and not really move anything.

I assume you've tried putting the whole weight of the car on the bushing?

[Van Westervelt]

Bushings into the freezer, then lube them up.

[omar510]

i was thinking about heating them up with a heat gun? but u say colder temps will work better?

[devon.818]

i was thinking about heating them up with a heat gun? but u say colder temps will work better?

heat makes soft, and expand.
cold makes hard, not expand....

idk never done it but i think that would be the reasoning.

[omar510]

How long in the freezer? Should I use a heat gun to heat the subframe separately and then press them together?

[KenC]

Put a 2x4 or something under the one that's halfway in, and use the weight of the car to press it in.

[omar510]

Tried that. Only went in halfway

[jlevie]

Drop the subframe and use a Sir Tools subframe bushing kit, or equivalent, to pull the bushing into place.

[omar510]

Did it with frozen bushings+heated subframe+white lithium grease+bottle jack

[Kershaw]

i spent 9 hours doing my rear subframes on a previous e30.

this should be stickied.

[StereoInstaller1]

Best lube for ANY rubber bushing is dish soap. Don't waste your time on anything else, trust me on this.

And: a simple 2 jaw puller on the top edge of the subframe with any adequate metal disk will shove that bushing in easy, like 30 seconds easy.