CABs in Control Arms (help)

[Jim Lepage]

I'm puting my front suspension back together and my new CABs (IE offset Delrin) are very hard to insert on my control arms. Is there a trick on something to make the job easier ? I'm thinking of putting the CAs in the fridge and the CABs in the oven a little bit.

[Dirtbleed]

Dont do it! Lots of lube.

[xLibelle]

Do it... i want a second opinion

[twothrees]

CAB's in the oven? No grease either. Use dawn for lube. I used the m3 cab's and they were a pain to get on too. I fabbed up a "puller" to get those darn things on.

[Jim Lepage]

I'm using lube but they're so tight that the control arm pin is internally grinding them when I try hammering them with a block of wood.

I'll try putting the CAs in the fridge so the metal will shrink a little. I'm also no sure about putting the CABs/lollipops in the oven.

[Dirtbleed]

I assume it's apart? I would run them down to a machine shop for the $40 bones. Press them on. luckily the guy at my machine shop was an older German dude. He had just done his wifes 325 and complained about how hard it was. I dropped them off and ran.
2 hours and 40 bones later and I was happy. He complained about mine as well. He pressed in/out the new CAB's as well.

[JGood]

I just used dawn soap and water with my M3 CAB's. I did it by hand too, I didn't want to damage anything. Just push like hell.

Both of mine went on about 1/2 of the way then would pop off. Then finally they went on until they were flush and I couldn't get them to go down any further. So I pulled them off and relubed them, then they went on the whole way much easier. Maybe the rubber needs to stretch a bit?

[Jim Lepage]

Maybe the rubber needs to stretch a bit?

They're not rubber but Delrin like AKG ones (very hard plastic). I'll try again tomorrow evening.

[xLibelle]

oh, i miss read your post.
someone suggested putting the CAB in the freezer and then pushing on the CA. I want to know how that attempt works out for you.

[Jim Lepage]

Install done. One of my friend (who is machinist) overbored a little bit the CABs. Now they fit tightly, not overtightly like before.

[91 318is]

When I did mine, I read somewhere (either here or 30tech) that when you install the CAB's, use lots of dawn and install them kinda of quickly on the CA, put the wheel on, lower it on the ground and press down on the top of the fender to "seat" the bushing in correct location on the CA. Let it set for about 30 minutes and don't drive it so the dawn will dry and the bushing is set.


Sound right?

[twothrees]

When I did mine, I read somewhere (either here or 30tech) that when you install the CAB's, use lots of dawn and install them kinda of quickly on the CA, put the wheel on, lower it on the ground and press down on the top of the fender to "seat" the bushing in correct location on the CA. Let it set for about 30 minutes and don't drive it so the dawn will dry and the bushing is set.


Sound right?

Yes, thats exactly what Bentley recommends for the rubber bushings and how I did mine too.

[Kristeun]

Yes, thats exactly what Bentley recommends for the rubber bushings and how I did mine too.

What did you use to get them in? or is it feasible by hand?

[Uber E30]

personally i say no (atleast with the e30 m3 ones) but i have heard of people doing it. Maybe im not heavy enough =P

[monty23psk]

You can get the correct tool: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...motiveQ5fTools

or you can make your own. You can try to push them in by hand, but depending on brand it could be tough, just use soapy water.