E30 control arm bushing comprehensive guide

[J102]

Just put this together to help folks in realizing control arm bushing options.

http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-control-arm-bushing-upgrades-also-applicable-to-e36-comprehensive-guide-on-control-arm-bushings/

Open to comments and suggestions on bushings that could/should be in the guide.

Great link! Thank you for sharing!

J

[IronFreak]

When you use the offset bushing how do you position the offset in the lollipop?

Close to the mount or away or up or down :)

offset to the mounting holes.

[shootnjunky]

When you use the offset bushing how do you position the offset in the lollipop?

Close to the mount or away or up or down :)

[Habla]

3-jaw puller should do it. Then you can hacksaw the bushing, and bend it out of the lollipop.

[estoguy]

OK... will do. Like I said, I have the new ones, so it's no real skin off my nose.

What's the best way to pull the solid rubber CABs off the control arm?

[noid]

I'm not sure of the set up, but the arms were pulled from another E30.

I have the new CABs, so replacing them is really no skin off my nose. Just trying to save some hassle and wanted to know if there were any caveats to using the ones already on the arms.

If you dont know the history behind the current CAB's I would replace them. For all you know they are URO bushings and replaced 8 years ago.

Always best to have fresh OEM or lemf bushings. Its a simple job with the control arms off the car.

[estoguy]

I'm not sure of the set up, but the arms were pulled from another E30.

I have the new CABs, so replacing them is really no skin off my nose. Just trying to save some hassle and wanted to know if there were any caveats to using the ones already on the arms.

[jeffnhiscars]

If they are still on the control arms (since re and re usually damages them) the only reason not to use them is if the donor car had a very different suspension set up than yours (say stock vs slammed). The concern being that if the CABs were properly installed they are preloaded to that specific car.

What I've done is to take a MAP torch and VERY GENTLY heat the exposed end of th CA just enough to warm, not melt, the CAB. This should allow itnto take a natural set. Not the best idea but if you are ddtermined not to replace them, it's better than nothing IMHO

[estoguy]

Question about the solid bushings. I got a set of control arms from a guy for cheap. Going to press out the balljoints and replace them. The CABs in the lollipops are already the M3 centered bushings

Question: I can't see ANYTHING wrong with them - should I even bother replacing them?? I do have a fresh Lemforder set that came with the arms. There is no obvious signs of damage to the CABs. They are on tight and look good. It would be one less step in the job (and probably the most annoying from what I've read).

Thoughts?

[noid]

you forgot these.
it's a very nice part
http://www.ground-control-store.com/.../II=652/CA=243

Thanks. Although, spherical bearings? Dynamic caster sounds like a bad idea.

[Cabriolet]

you forgot these.
it's a very nice part

http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=652/CA=243

[estoguy]

Nice write up... I think I'm going to be going for the solid rubber E36 bushings.

[Butler]

Great work! Thanks for presenting back to the community!

[noid]

Just got some communication back from BMW Germany regarding the difference between 31129064875 vs 31129061222 (both look identical offset bushings). Apparently there is a difference in the rubber compound used and the E36 M3 offset bushing is stiffer.

[efficient]

i have 96 e36 m3 cab. reason for changing them to the e36 it looked like a much better design than the e30 cab.