Replacing front control bushes and rear springs...

[CIS121]

My E46 330 has failed the MOT on both.

In days gone I've done a lot of car mechanics but both of these jobs sound like they may involve large forces or need specialist dismantling equipment.

Has anyone does these themselves and are they a DIY job with standard tools?

[Vee]

I've done the bushes in the past.
Easier to buy the new ones already in the bracket otherwise you need to press them out and press the new one in.
Taking them off is pretty easy . . . 3 bolts iirc and then a 3 arm puller.

[road_rager]

My e46 just failed on broken rear spring, not a bad job to DIY, took me a couple of hours, and most of that was trying to tighten a bolt I should have been loosening!

[Neil_Sc]

Rear springs are an absolute piece of cake, just get the rear on axle stands and then remove the bottom damper bolt and then this gives you enough to push the suspension arm down and get the spring out and put a new one in.


As for the front bushes, again pretty easy. If you are replacing with OEM, then the new FCABs will come ready pressed in a new bracket, so basically, jack the car up and support with axle stands (I always like to double up if I'm getting under the car), remove the cross brace, remove the two bolts holding the FCAB and use a 3 arm puller to remove it from the control arm.

Tap the new FCAB on with a rubber mallet and bolt it back on. Do the other side and then reattach cross brace and remove from axle stands.

If you are replacing the bush with powerflex, a hacksaw can be used to saw through the bush shell (taking care not to damage the holder) and remove the old bush. Then press in the powerflex bush, this can be a bit of a pain, helped with a bit of fairy liquid dilute to ease it in the holder, but with a trolley jack and 2 1/2 inch end cap, you can use the jack pads on the car to press in the bush with ease. (see below)


Don't forget to get the car aligned after letting the car settle for a week or so.

[8Tech]

Rear springs are a common failure and should always be done as a pair.

Powerflex bushes are your best option as they work like a greased bearing rather than twisting a bit of rubber and they come with a lifetime warranty now.

Can be purchased on ebay already installed in the lollipops or on their own to press in yourself.

[CIS121]

Thanks for all the info and posts guys - both jobs look pretty straightforward. Just got to get myself a gear puller and I'm away!

Cheers

[8Tech]

Gear puller???

You can just heat the old bushes with a hairdryer, hot air gun or blowtorch and they will side off very easily by hand.

[CIS121]

Great. Thanks guys. Just changed the rear springs - childs play! The only tricky but was forcing the suspension arm down enough to get the new spring in, but not hard. One hour, job done and £180 saved on BMW's quote :-) Probably easier than replacing the brake pads!

Off to play for the afternoon and then tackle the bushes in the week.

[anonymous-user]

could not help notice the arcan jack - planning to get one from costco soon. you happy with it?

[Neil_Sc]

RC said:

could not help notice the arcan jack - planning to get one from costco soon. you happy with it?

I must say it has been one of the best purchases I have made, so good infact I have two.

[CIS121]

Front bushes replaced now too. Amazingly easy - the only fiddly bit being removing the old ones, but a three arm puller got the job done. All sorted in 1.5 hours.

Thanks a lot guys!