Rear Subframe Bushing(s) Tool

[Zombie_Head]

Hey guys,

I have been digging up some old threads on the RSFB and how creative some of you have become, made your own tool and got the bushings out.

Some of you even used "standard" bearing/bushing tool(s) with success, since i do not have that luxury, i was wondering if one can use a "standard" wheel bearing tool set/kit and remove the RSFBs.

I also came across these two items:

https://www.amazon.de/eBay-Silentlag...f-7b5a58c1d2cf

https://www.amazon.de/Silentlager-Ab...f-7b5a58c1d2cf

The second one is peeking my interest, since it comes with various size spindles, which means it could help with not just the RSFB but also would work if i ever decide to replace the wheel bearings (at one point) in the future.

My local DIY shop has a set, but i am unsure what size is the spindle (it looks to be an M16 size, which would be too big i guess).

Any opinions would be appreciated.

[amg6975]

I used a kit like that it worked fine, I think it was actually a bearing press kit. The rods in mine weren't long enough though so I had to use some grade 8 threaded rod, and even that was stretching like crazy pushing in the aluminum bushings.

[AndyW]

I got the real deal after failing with several of the DIY methods. Made it so much easier. Totally worth $300. And no, I don't have any association with the company.

https://www.germanspecialtytools.com...d-e90-91-92-93

[Zombie_Head]

Thank you both for your feedback, i appreciate it.

Sadly i am in no position to spend another US$300 + shipping on a tool i will be using once. I will check again with the DIY tool and certain we can figure out how to remove the bushings.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by AndyW

I got the real deal after failing with several of the DIY methods. Made it so much easier. Totally worth $300. And no, I don't have any association with the company.

https://www.germanspecialtytools.com...d-e90-91-92-93

Will this tool work for installing the M3 RSFB or only for removing the stock ones?

And if only for removing the existing bushings ( if going 2 pc poly) did you have to drop the subframe much?

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Will this tool work for installing the M3 RSFB or only for removing the stock ones?

And if only for removing the existing bushings ( if going 2 pc poly) did you have to drop the subframe much?

It will work for install/removal for any bushings for 135/335/M3 (E9X).

I did the whiteline 2-piece poly. You have to drop it some but it is easy if you drop both halfway (but still attached), then support with a floor jack while you drop front or rear, do them, then rebolt and do the other set (i.e. two bolts always in). Oh, and yes, you really do need to disconnect the brake lines regardless.

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by AndyW

It will work for install/removal for any bushings for 135/335/M3 (E9X).

I did the whiteline 2-piece poly. You have to drop it some but it is easy if you drop both halfway (but still attached), then support with a floor jack while you drop front or rear, do them, then rebolt and do the other set (i.e. two bolts always in). Oh, and yes, you really do need to disconnect the brake lines regardless.

This.

It's how my mechanic did it.

[fe1rx]

Thanks AndyW for this link:

https://www.germanspecialtytools.com...d-e90-91-92-93

Just got one myself to do a change from M to solid aluminum. Nothing like having the right tool for the job. I originally installed the M using the makeshift method and wasn't looking forward to doing it that way again. This tool extracted the M bushings effortlessly and pulled the the Turner solid aluminum bushings (which are a serious interference fit) in with the help of a good long breaker bar.

[Zombie_Head]

That tool is €250 for the parts in the first diagram.

Another €110 for the lower part, that is €360 to do the bushings once....expensive for a one time use.

I was able to remove all the bolts and lower the rear subframe in 40 minutes, so by my book it is a 3 hour job (removing the bushings included). Most shops will charge the same money, now if one plans to replace the M3 bushings to poly/solid ones in the future, yes i can see the "investment" in this tool.

I do not like leaving my car in a shop and letting someone else work on my car, just had bad experience, but the more i think about it, the more that tool makes sense for someone like me.

That company, the one that sells the tool, also rents tools. I will also give them a call tomorrow and see if one can rent that tool, would be nice.

[Zombie_Head]

Good news, i contacted the shop selling that tool you linked, they do rent tools.

They are renting the tool for €100 for 1 week, including postage to me and back to them, which is a very good deal.

Already gave them the green light, should get the tool by tomorrow or no later than Monday.

[mermade]

these are a decent tool for the job
https://mp-uk.com/bmw/3-series/e46-1...e36-e46-x3-z4/

[Ginger_Extract]

Torch, a big impact socket, a few jacks and a friend sitting in the trunk for extra weight gets the job done for the broke people, like me.

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

Torch, a big impact socket, a few jacks and a friend sitting in the trunk for extra weight gets the job done for the broke people, like me.

Please walk me through this:

1) the rear is on jack stands since the wheels are off
2) You put your jack under the rear diff and undo the RSFB bolts
3) Lower the jack and place the socket between the body and the RSFB
4) Heat up the subframe and jack up the rear diff to push the bushing out of the bottom

Is that the method or am I missing something?