Part 1: Replacing Control Arms in a BMW 3 Series or MINI - BavAuto DIY
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- čas přidán 28. 03. 2013
- PART 1: • Part 1: Replacing Cont...
PART 2: • Part 2: Replacing Cont...
BLOG ARTICLE: blog.bavauto.com/go/control-arm
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In this two part video series Otto will show you how to replace front control arms and control arm bushings on a typical BMW 3-series 84-05 and MINI. Note that while these procedures are shown on an E30 3-series (84-91) BMW, they can also be applied to the E36 3-Series (92-98), E46 3-series (99-05) and MINI models. Of the 3-series and MINI models listed, some will look slightly different or have slightly different hardware but, the basic points and procedures are the same.
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Part one - Control arm and bushing removal steps
In this video we will remove the front control arm and control arm bushing on a BMW 3-series (and MINI). Part-2 covers the installation.
For a list of the parts and tools used, see the accompanying BLOG post at: blog.bavauto.com/go/control-arm
1) Lift and properly support the front of the vehicle, so that the front wheels are off the ground.
2) Remove the wheel/tire assembly.
3) If the swaybar end link is connected to the control arm (as on this E30 and most E36 3-series), remove the nut from the underside of the control arm, that secures the end link bracket to the control arm.
4) Release the outer control arm ball joint as follows; Loosen the nut on the top of the ball joint's tapered pin, but do not fully remove it. Using a 2 lb to 3 lb short handled sledgehammer (properly called, a drilling hammer), give the knuckle area a series of sharp-forceful blows. If the ball joint's tapered pin does not release from the knuckle, try using a pry-bar to provide downward pressure on the end of the control arm .... while hitting the knuckle with the hammer. This can take a good series of multiple HARD blows with the hammer. If the tapered pin is still not releasing, you will have to resort to a "pickle-fork". Insert the pickle-fork between the ball joint and the knuckle and use the hammer to force the pickle-fork between the two parts. If you get the pickle fork as far as it will go and the joint is still not separating, try repeating the blows to the knuckle (as in the first sequence), with the pickle-fork in place.
NOTE: Never use a pickle-fork to separate the ball joints if you intend to reuse the control arm (and ball joints), as the fork will typically tear the ball joint's rubber boot.
5) Release the inner ball joint in a similar fashion to the outer ball joint, with the exception that you will be hitting the cast area of the control arm, where the ball-joint mounts into the arm. Note that it may be necessary to resort to the pickle-fork due to a lack of area to use the hammer, as a first course of action.
6) Remove the rear control arm bushing mount bracket by removing the two bolts securing the bracket to the vehicle. Note the position and overall relationship of the bracket and how it is mounted to the uni-body frame rail, for the future re-installation.
7) Fully remove the nuts on the ball joints and lower the control arm and bushing assembly from the vehicle.
NOTE: If you are re-using the control arm bushing mounting brackets and installing new bushings in the brackets, follow steps 8-10. If you are installing pre-assembled bushing and bracket assemblies, skip to step 11.
8) Use the control arm bushing removal/install tool to remove the bushing and bracket assembly from the end of the control arm pin.
9) Using a hydraulic press, press the bushing out of the bushing mount bracket.
10) Using a hydraulic press, press the new bushing into the mount bracket. Note if there are any alignment marks to tend with. The new bushing will either install in the same manner as the old original bushing (alignment marks, etc.), or it will come with an installation sheet outlining the proper installation.
Now, click on to Part-2 and continue with the installation of the new control arm and bushing assemblies.
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All products noted in this video can be purchased in our online store, www.bavauto.com/, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are also welcome to e-mail us at info@bavauto.com or call into our headquarters and speak to our knowledgeable advisors at (800) 535-2002 (Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 9PM EST, Fri. 8AM to 7PM EST, and Sat. 9AM to 4PM EST). - Auta a dopravní prostředky
This are the best BMW repair videos you can find.
I miss these guys especially Otto, I think he started this whole working on your car videos
This job was pretty easy, the hardest part for me was pressing on the new bushings as I did not have the tool in this video but with some improvisation and cussing I got it done.
You see... Now that you're making video tutorials, I feel that much better when buying parts from you!
I was able to access the upper ball joint bolt through the front instead of the back and it was fairly easy(passenger side). I even used a crescent wrench.
For an alternative to grinding the 16mm wrench you can buy a 16mm cone wrench from a bicycle shop. Buy 2 and tape them together. They are like $8 each.
You will need to use some type of puller to pull the bushing off the end of the control arm as the rubber will be fairly well "stuck" to the control arm end pin.
You make it look pretty easy. Im in the middle of doing mine for the first time. I do not have a press. but I do have a bottle jack and a dump truck bumper! Compared to some other bushings I have done, they went pretty easy. The main issue is when the mount is very worn, and spins in the socket when trying to remove........Theres an allen slot in the top but no clearance to fit it in!
Thanks BavAuto, excellent video.
The tool shown is a specific tool for BMW 3-series and MINI models. A local parts store may not have one. We do sell the tool in our online store at bavauto.com. It is called a control arm bushing tool.
I think its very misleading to state that this applies to Mini as well. Yes, the principle is the same but everything is a lot more complex and less accessible with the compactness of the Mini front end, transverse engine, front wheel drive and all.
Hey buddy, i know this is an old video, i hope you can reply. i love gow detailed tbis tutorial is. clear and straight to the point.
I have a 2001 e46 coupe, it recently started to slightly shake, i feel it on the steering wheel. it is weird because it does not vibrate right away, it starts vibrating maybe about 5 to 10 mins into my commute. it also has a pull and push feel to it as i come to a stop, i checked my rotors and the rear ones are pretty bad, could this be the issue? i also feel clunk noises from the driver side, maybe related to bushings?
pleae get back at me.
Thanks for sharing, Eric.
thank you very much for the video
One question How is possible to access to unscrew the left arm central bolt?
I tried to reach the NUT under the engine with no result . thank you
This video was done on an E30 3-series. The upper mounts were fine. What makes you note this?
I do this job at my home - perfect vidéo thank you !!! ;)
No need for the penetrant. There's more than enough oil leakage to keep things good and lubed.
An enormous bench vice with expension pipe is also fine to press the rubber bearing out.
We have not yet done an E90 control arm DIY. The Bentley repair manual for the E90/91/92/93 chassis will cover the task. We have the manual available in our online store at bavauto.com or via our phone advisors at 800-535-2002.
Hi Otto, when using the bushing removal tool, is the bushing still usable after removal? I just put new Powerflex bushings on about 8 months ago but as I track the car I'd like to replace the control arms now, but I'm hoping I can save the bushings. Any suggestions on whether this is possible? Thanks!
would a ratcheting wrench save some time on that innner ball joint???
Awesome. Thank you!
I’m sad that the site closed man. But ecs is helping
Do you have anything like this for an E90 2007 328i?
Is it possible to do this job without removing the tyre?
The vehicle used is an E30 3-series (84-91). The E36 3-series is practically identical.
can you take off the bushing without special tool??
Is this the E36 series ?
Thought you said in the vid it was a E36. Anyway I know that once you disconnect the lower ball joints the strut does not have the same stability, but it looked really flimsy with the slightest touch
what does check control ?! mean
what is the tool called that you used to remove the bushing?
Is this something i can loan.rent at autozone ? what would i ask for ?
So if your just doing the lollipop bracket bushing theirs no need to take the wheels off correct
I always leave the rear bushing in place till I get all the other stuff lose
Looks like that E36 has a weak strut mount as well
Hello. Is there a video on e36 m3 rear sway link replacement? I couldn't find anything on it. Thanks
Check our install video for the BavAuto swaybars. We show the install on an E46 3-series, but the E36 is very similar. You should be able to get a good idea of the steps by watching the rear bar install.
blog.bavauto.com/11185/bmw-diy-video-bavarian-autosport-sway-bar-install-how-to-swaybar-e36-e46/
Yes, the passenger side can be a "bugger".
same as on E30
My 2000 323i was in an accident and the drivers side control arm was bent. When I try to turn the nut that's connecting the ball joint to the frame (not the wheel assembly) the whole ball joint turns with it, and no progress is made. Do you have any suggestions on how to get it off?
Use a jack to push up on the Balljoint to stop it from spinning and you can remove
Does torque in place just mean tighten? Or do I have to actually set the torque to a specific number?
The various joints do have specific torque values, for tightening. The Bentley Publishing repair manuals will detail the values for the applicable models and parts. We do suggest that you use the torque values if you are not very familiar with what a given torque "feels like" when tightening.
Bentley Manuals:
www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=5228
Digital torque wrench:
www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=BLD0212C
Do you have a video on replacing struts and springs on a 1989 e30 BMW 335ix.? Is the process different since it is all wheel drive?
We do not currently have a video on replacing the front shocks on the older BMWs that have the insert type shock cartridges that slip into the strut housings. The Bentley repair manuals, for the given models, will cover the details. The differences on the E30 ix models involves the axles going through the strut assemblies. If the top of the strut cannot be tilted and pulled out of the wheel opening in order to disassemble the upper mount and spring and pull out the shock cartridge, then the complete assembly must be removed from the vehicle. This would normally just involve removing the caliper from the unit and disconnecting the outer ball-joint and tie-rod end from the lower spindle area of the strut. On the ix, you must also pull the axle from the spindle/bearing assembly.
Thanks for some insight...
--How do you pull the axle from the spindle/bearing assembly?
Stefan Hertrich
- We do not have any DIYs on removing the front axle on the E30 ix models. Basically, you would remove the axle end nut, disconnect the outer control arm ball-joint from the steering spindle/hub assembly, and then use a gear-puller or hub press (see link below) to press the splined axle end from the hub assembly.
Hub press:
www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=CTA4300
Yes, the tool should allow you to remove the bushings without damage, so they can be reused. The part number is KT20249 at BavAuto.com ... or call our advisors at 800-535-2002
How do I know when these should be replaced? Also should I replace the control arm link when these are replaced?
+ConsciouslyCreate211 These need replacement ,once your steering starts to shake when accelerating
Thanks
is it the same on an e90 2006 325xi?
The 325xi models are e46 not e90
no they are not e46. they changed to e90 in 2006
Good
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A ball joint fork works wonders on these lol
Couldn’t be much easier than that , charges a arm and leg for service 😂
so rad man
Should of posted this a couple days ago i just had someone replace mine ! =/
why the F*** can't i rewind or fast forward this F***ing video?! WTFFF I have never come across this on youtube, is it just me?