Control Arms Questions

[xikyle]

This weekend, im planning on doing my control arms and bushing. Im confident i can do everything including pressing the new bushings. However, i dont think ill be having a very fun time trying to get the old ones out...
does anyone know how to the old control arm bushings out of the brackets without special tools?

what kind of lubricant would be fitting to install the new bushings and to then press the new arms into the bushing? what lubricant becomes inert (bentley manual recommends special BMW lube, but im sure there is something similiar)

while im doing the control arms, what else is there that i can do with relative ease.

[Simon S]

does anyone know how to the old control arm bushings out of the brackets without special tools?

Man – it’s been a while since I did mine – but I think I used a hacksaw and cut juuuust before hitting the lollipop. Prying and hammers after that.

what kind of lubricant would be fitting to install the new bushings and to then press the new arms into the bushing? what lubricant becomes inert (bentley manual recommends special BMW lube, but im sure there is something similiar)

Liquid laundry detergent. Do follow the Bentley though on getting car back on ground for appropriate ‘set time’.

while im doing the control arms, what else is there that i can do with relative ease.

I suppose tie rods and sway bar bushings are in that neighborhood.. but It’s not like you can’t easily go in there later to do them..

[Simon S]

Note on laundry detergent: add more ‘set’ time (like up to a day) since you’re not using the ‘official’ lube - to be sure.

Oh, and sway bar links are attached to the control arms – but again, those are bolt-on affairs that can be addressed later at your leisure.

[xikyle]

Thank you. NICE CAR SIMON! love the painted bumpers. makes for a clean look.

is that an s52 in there?

[Simon S]

quite welcome.
After all the work I've done - and all I've learned via r3vlimited - it is a great pleasure to be able to contribute back and help others.

lol.. nope. just a well-sorted m42
thanks.

[Simon S]

check my sig link if you have some time to kill..