Control Arm Bushing Removal

[NVRider]

First, let me say that I am having an absolute blast driving and working on this car! One of the best investments I ever made! And thanks to all the veterans out there that have helped me get the most out of this car.

Now to the question. I had an inspection of my Z3 by the local "BMW pro mechanic" for a general evaluation of the car before purchase (a really good idea and good value for the $100). One of the items he mentioned was replacement of the control arm bushings. Since the car is a '98, I concurred that the rubber bushings are past their useful life. I have ordered the PolyTech bushings and carriers since I do not have access to a press for removal of the old bushing. My Bentley manual says to use the 'appropriate removal tool'. Researching this on the many forums, websites, and YouTube, I have seen everything from using hand chisels, bearing pullers, and even a guy that took a gas torch to burn off the rubber bushing?? Does anyone have a tried and true method for removal of these guys without endangering myself in the process? Also, is the copper lubricant a must for the replacement? One 'mechanic' used a combination of water and dish soap to set the bushings and allowed it to dry in place.

As always, my thanks ahead of time for any guidance you can lend in this procedure.
John

 

[littlefeller]

yep, changed mine. all i did was cut the rubber to separate it, you now have a controll arm with a stump of rubber and the outer part still in the carrier,, then using a hacksaw i cut the outer metal part out of the holder, once you cut through the outer metal part (NOT THE CARRIER/PART THAT HOLDS IT just the steel ring that is on the outside of the rubber bush) you can now get a screwdriver under it to deform it and it pops out, the remaining rubber on the control arm does come off fairly easly, great part in all of this is you dont need to remove the controll arm, win win, then if you using the polly bushes they just push in real easy.

 

[NZ00Z3]

A hand chisel used to bend the outer metal ring inwards in 3 or 4 places on the same side allows you to tap the old bush through the lollie-pop. Avoids the overly vigorous hacksaw cutting the Lollie-pop when you cut though the outer metal ring.

Lubricant is needed when fitting rubber bushings back on the control arm but not he plastic bushings. Dish soap works well as does kero and Distilling heads (the oily 80% alcohol that you discard when the still first start flowing).

 

[5harp3y]

3 arm bearing tool and some lubricant to get the bush off the arm.

Cut / drill the rubber out, chisel the metal ring away in one section and it'll fall out

 

[5harp3y]

Oh unless you have a press and then just press it out

 

[NVRider]

*Update*
I replaced the control arm bushings this weekend, and it could not have been easier. I replaced the stock (1998) bushings with the Powerflex bushings in less than 30 minutes. What a difference in handling!
A few things that made all the difference were:
1) Using some penetrating solvent on the control arm prior to removal.

2) Using the Bimmertools puller plate to obtain maximum leverage for removal. No mallet pounding, hacksaws, or gas torch needed.

3) Having the use of a three jaw puller (free loan from the local auto part store).

I could have used my cordless drill/impact driver instead of a hand ratchet and cut the time in half, but I was not feeling particularly lazy.

My thanks to the ZRoadster forums for all the helpful information. Saved me $254 USD at the local BMW shop.

 

[Low Rider]

*Update*
I replaced the control arm bushings this weekend, and it could not have been easier. I replaced the stock (1998) bushings with the Powerflex bushings in less than 30 minutes. What a difference in handling!
A few things that made all the difference were:
1) Using some penetrating solvent on the control arm prior to removal.
View attachment 41760

2) Using the Bimmertools puller plate to obtain maximum leverage for removal. No mallet pounding, hacksaws, or gas torch needed.
View attachment 41757

3) Having the use of a three jaw puller (free loan from the local auto part store).
View attachment 41761

I could have used my cordless drill/impact driver instead of a hand ratchet and cut the time in half, but I was not feeling particularly lazy.

My thanks to the ZRoadster forums for all the helpful information. Saved me $254 USD at the local BMW shop.

Excellent. I know when I did mine it took me ages nothing seamed to work other than persistents but i got there in the end