Will my rear subframe bushings "uninstall"?

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  • 540ig5
    Noobie
    • Nov 2013
    • 20

    #1

    Will my rear subframe bushings "uninstall"?

    So I used some silicone spray to ease the job of pressing in the rear subframe bushings on my '86 325es. But now that I think about it i'm kind of nervous that the subframe could slide on the bushings once on the car because there will not be enough friction to hold it tightly on the busing. Just want to hear your thoughts/experience with this. Thanks.
  • flyboyx
    R3V OG
    • Sep 2008
    • 8371

    #2
    Yer gud. That 6" bolt and 2.5" washer will do its job of holding it all together for you
    sigpic
    Gigitty Gigitty!!!!

    88 cabrio becoming alpina b6 3.5s transplanted s62
    92 Mtech 2 cabrio alpinweiss 770 code
    88 325ix coupe manual lachsilber/cardinal
    88 325ix coupe manual diamondschwartz/natur
    87 e30 m3 for parts lachsilber/cardinal(serial number 7)
    12 135i M sport cabrio grey/black

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    • E30arsen
      Advanced Member
      • Sep 2016
      • 135

      #3
      Yeah, you have nothing to worry about. Once it's in there, it ain't coming out.

      Comment

      • Mook613
        Wrencher
        • Apr 2016
        • 232

        #4
        The bushing has the car's body on top and the bracket on the bottom and therefore can't move once it's all bolted in.

        With poly bushings, it is even recommended to slather up the bushing in a grease or anti-seize when installing to prevent squeeking.

        Comment

        • 540ig5
          Noobie
          • Nov 2013
          • 20

          #5
          Originally posted by flyboyx
          Yer gud. That 6" bolt and 2.5" washer will do its job of holding it all together for you
          So the washer does not actually come in contact with the subframe, there's probably a 1/3 inch gap between the two. The way I see it, there is nothing to keep the subframe from sliding on the bushing other than friction between the two.

          Unless, once the bolt is tightened down, that makes the bushing "expand" within the subframe, wedging it in there so tight that there is no way it will move anywhere?

          Comment

          • 540ig5
            Noobie
            • Nov 2013
            • 20

            #6
            Originally posted by Mook613
            The bushing has the car's body on top and the bracket on the bottom and therefore can't move once it's all bolted in.

            With poly bushings, it is even recommended to slather up the bushing in a grease or anti-seize when installing to prevent squeeking.
            True. The busing can't move, however the only thing to stop the subframe from moving up and down, is the friction between it and the bushing. The bolt, bottom bracket or top washer does not actually come in contact with the subframe. So the busing can't move, but the subframe technically can.

            Comment

            • YosemiteSam
              E30 Fanatic
              • Apr 2011
              • 1303

              #7
              Yeah, when installing those bushings at a shop mechanics will usually slather them in grease or anti-seize to help them go in. They aren't going to come out.
              sigpic

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              • lukeADE335i
                E30 Fanatic
                • Apr 2013
                • 1384

                #8
                true - mine were lathered in lithium grease when pressed in to lube them up and make sure they don't squeak.

                Once the weight of the car is on the bush, as the bush is clamped by the bracket at the bottom and can't move, it will try to expand inside the sleeve on the subfame - there's no way the subframe is moving with around 500lbs of pressure transferred through the bush to the sleeve that the bush sits in (plus whatever pressure the bolt running through the bush puts on it too).

                Sure - friction is the only thing holding the subframe, but that friction is pretty high!
                My e30: OEM+ with M30B35

                Comment

                • TobyB
                  R3V Elite
                  • Oct 2011
                  • 5169

                  #9
                  ...and if it did, it wouldn't go far.

                  But it won't.

                  Yer gud.

                  t
                  now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

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