Part 2: Replacing Control Arms in a BMW 3 Series or MINI - BavAuto DIY
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- PART 1: • Part 1: Replacing Cont...
PART 2: • Part 2: Replacing Cont...
BLOG ARTICLE: blog.bavauto.co...
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All of the items shown in these videos are available in our online store at www.bavauto.com/. Need additional tech help? Please visit our tech blog for thousands of Tech and DIY BMW and MINI articles at: blog.bavauto.com/
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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 installation steps
In this video we will install the front control arm and control arm bushing on a BMW 3-series (and MINI). Part-1 covers the removal.
For a list of the parts and tools used, see the accompanying BLOG post at: blog.bavauto.co...
(Steps 1-10 are in the Part-1, removal video)
11) Press the bushing/mount assembly onto the control arm, using the bushing removal/install tool. Note that some urethane bushings may not require a press for this operation. Note that rubber bushings require a lubricant to allow them to be pressed onto the arm. BMW specifies a special lube that dries after assembly .... we like to use diluted dish soap or hair spray as alternatives. Take note of any alignment marks, as well as the proper orientation (left / right and front / back) of the mount bracket. Most of the applications will install with the mounting arm, on the mount bracket, being parallel and in-line (on the same plane) with the forward end of the control arm. Note that the bushing and bracket assembly can also be installed on the arm after the new control arm has been installed on the vehicle.
12) Install the control arm and bushing assembly to the vehicle. Insert the ball joint spindles into the knuckles and start the nuts onto the threads. Install the bolts for the bushing mount bracket and torque to specs (see the proper Bentley manual). Tap the bottom of each ball joint to secure the tapered pin into the knuckle and tighten the nuts to the proper torque spec. If the ball-joint pin will not seat, and turns when the nut is turned, use a jack to apply upward pressure on the underside of the ball-joint, pressing the pin securely into the seat.
13) Install or reconnect the swaybar end link assembly.
14) Replace the wheel/tire and torque the lug bolts to the proper torque spec. Lower the vehicle.
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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).
We miss you bav auto🥺😔
Amazing! You didn't even break a sweat! I was afraid how much this work would cost at the shop. But I'm confident that I can replace my control arm and bushing now after watching this video. Thank you so much!
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The best tutorial I have ever seen. I can't even begin to tell why they are so good. all the others seem the work of amateurs. Clean, concise, to the point, the video is excellent, and the voice of the comentator is very clear, in easy to understand terms, without losing any of the technical content. I really, really congratulate you on your video series. I own an E 46 and if your service is as good as your videos, you will get all of my bussines. I will recommend you to all my BMW owners friends. Again, Excellent work!
Gee, Jamie, Thanks for the great encouragement! And, we certainly strive to have our parts and accessories mail-order service rival and surpass our video how-to productions.
+Jaime Lopez Marines
I only wish this would work for the Mini. After watching this video, I ordered the entire bracket with the expectation of a quick (well, relatively quicker way) replacement of my bushings. But then after getting under there, realized it is impossible to do without dropping the subframe. So, back to chiseling out/blow torching out the old bushing and replacing the new. Would love some more Mini videos! I really like this setup. Jamie is right. Clean. concise.
Just replaced the control arms in my 96 328i. Thanks to BavAuto for the hugely helpful video.
These videos are great! I'm so glad I found them. Thank you for supporting the DIY community. More videos please!
Thank you for perfect video, that helped me to keep my old rusty friend on the road:-)
Great DYI video. The exact wrench size and helpful hints were very useful.
Awesome work guys. I did his job on my E30 myself and I wish I'd have this video before hand.
Excellent! Thank you, great job on the video, extremely clear and concise I loved it!
You can purchase special thin wrenches. Sources would be either online or sears or a snap-on (or other) tool distributor.
Great video as usual. I've just done this job (E46) on my driveway, in the dark and the rain. Bought Meyle arms with the bushes already fitted. Original fittings reqd 18mm and 21mm spanners for the two ball joints - new had 19mm and 22mm. Fairly easy job but those inner joints take a while to undo as the helpful chap in the video says. Had to crack the one track rod end to get a good enough swing with the hammer on the one outer joint, but otherwise went well
BavOtto! Great video with excellent detail. I'll perform this work next Spring, so I'm very happy to have this tutorial! Thanks!
Remember, all the parts are available on our web site at bavauto.com.
i enjoy all your diy videos, very informative and detailed and love the hands on approach
Excellent easy to follow video ,wish I had a hoist not stands though, had trouble splitting ball joints and fitting bush on rear of control arm but good job when done
Wow you made this look easy, great video and very thorough.
BMW models with single ball-joint control arms (such as a typical 5,6,7 series, etc.) your point is true & very important. On the 84-05 3-series & the MINI this is not specifically the case. On the 99-05 s-series and the MINI, the pin that goes through the bushing is Hex shaped and can only be installed one way. Therefore, no need to lower before tightening. On the 84-98 3-series, if you install the bushing on the arm and then let the lubricant dry, the bushing will not move when installed.
Thanks heaps! Really well explained and clear step by step easy to follow instructions.
Excellent video. Great editing. Info was clearly communicated. Thanks!
This series is fantastic. Thank you Otto!
Great two parts video. Thanks
how did you guys know you tightened the ball joint nuts sufficiently? BMW provides torque specifications (inner one is quite high) and I don't see those specifications being met with using only a 19mm wrench.
Great job and nice to see all very clearly. Tanks a bunch. Old Vern could to that job.
Great video and teaching! I have done it in my garage without your professional lift. That was a SUPER nightmare. For those who are reading my comment, please, don't do it without the professional lift.
Nice, I'm doing my front and rear suspension rebuild on my E46 3 series. Would like to see you all do a front and rear strut , shock and spring replacement on an E46.
Easily the best video on how to do this..
Thank you.
Thanks again for the great video guys. You've saved me so much money.
thank You for spending Your time to explain us everything!
Thank you very much I've benefited from it
Try drilling through the bolt until you can use the largest size bolt/screw extractor (EZ-Out, etc.) that will fit in the drilled hole without hitting the threads. Use increasing bit sized, starting small and working up to the final size. be careful in using the extractor. Do not put enough force to break the extractor, as this cannot be drilled through. If the broken section will not come out, you will have to install a thread insert (HeliCoil, etc.).
At some point, we may be able to do chassis specific shock and spring DIY videos, but we likely will not have one available specifically for your E30 3-series, in the near future. The Bentley repair manual does cover the procedures. Additionally, we do have a DIY on shocks, struts and springs on our tech blog site at blog.bavauto.com . Just search for SHOCK SPRING DIY . The front will be a bit different from your E30, but the rear is basically the same.
Your are the best man in the world
Great Tutorial 😎
Great video... definitely not for an amateur like me though, wow!
Absolutelly beautiful videos, i love your channel :) I wish that you had a european branch for your shop :/
Verry good video, thanks. I am going to attempt this in my driveway. I wanted to see you smack that picklefork, lol see the arm go crashing to the ground, KA POW!!. great install tool, where do you get that at? did you make it?
thanks for the video it helped a lot
Well, you're right. Thanks for the input!
This video was done on a 1989 325is.
Several times you referred to the case of car resting on jack stands. Frankly, I cannot see one would be able to do such a job laying on my back and with just a few inches of working space. Don't get wrong, though, the video is terrific, very good. Just a question: is the procedure similar for an E92?
thanks for the info, well presented...
Big thanks! Instantly subscribed :)
Using regular oil would not be recommended as the bushing will not "glue" to the control arm pin ... since the oil will not dry up. Additionally, the oil will tend to soften the rubber over time.
Can you make a video on a e90 06 lower control arm.
Give Thanks Auto!
Excellent video Guys this Was so Much Helpful
Recently purchased a e85 and went to the website and was devastated its gone
This is the control arm bushing removal and install tool. We have it in our online store at bavauto.com. The part number is KT20249.
The control arm bushing removal and install tool is available in our online store at bavauto.com. The part number is KT20249 .
Remember to keep the nuts on the ball-joints so that the arm does not fall to the ground when you separate the ball joints.
Very helpful thanks
Good Video! I have a 89 3 series convert... I have issues with the shocks chattering when going over bumps and holes, can you make a video showing the assembly of rear shock housing and front strut housing? Thanks!
great you the best save me money thank you
This is the control am bushing removal and install tool kit. The install tool is shown at the point that you referenced. The kit is available on our web site at bavauto.com or by calling our advisors at 800-535-2002. The part number is KT20249
are there specific torque amounts for each of the nuts and bolts
you missed the step - you did not show - tightening the control arm to subframe nut from the engine bay. This is important to secure tightly the arm to the frame
Great video. How would I know if the ball joints were failing?
See our Spring inspection video series for details on how to inspect the ball-joints, as well as the rest of the suspension points.
Click here: blog.bavauto.com/13370
Some people say you have to put the car back on wheels and then torque/tighten these links. Does it not hold true for 3 series. I know it says in TIS you have to weigh the car down on it wheels and than torque them links. What if you don't weigh it down? Do these bushes wear down quickly. I did all these links on my E38 with it hanging.
Hi can you provide the part number for each part thanks
Thanks so much
We do have a photo DIY for typical BMW shock, strut and spring removal and replacement. The DIY is done on an E46. Check it out at our tech blog site at; blog.bavauto.com. Once into the blog site, search; "shock spring strut DIY"
Thanks!
You got to the part I wanted to see ... but you didn't quite finish. That is: Tightening the Wish Bone Looking Stabilizer Link Bracket NUT to the control arm and also the through bolt&NUT that connects the stabilizer link to that same Bracket. Question: How Tight are both NUTS to be? Thanks!
Hey there BavAuto, i replaced my control arms and tierods, my steering is stiff and darts around alot. I haven't been for a alignment yet, will the alignment remedy this? I'm running huge toe out could this be the cause? I'll be going for a 4 wheel alignment as soon as i have some free time! Thanks!
um what tool would someone need to use in place of your custom 16mm wrench??
SUPER !!!
thx
What about the lower rear control arms I here u have to drop the diff to get it out
If you have an E36 or E46 3-series (or Z4 or X3) , You have to unbolt the differential in order to remove the bolt for the inner end of the rear lower control arm. See this link for an example: blog.bavauto.com/14044/bmw-e36-e46-z4-camber-adjustable-rear-control-arm-rcca-install-how-to-diy/
where can i get the installation kit
Ball joint separator l understand,but , where does the PICKLE come in.There is not a part on a car called a PICKLE. You can get in a PICKLE, you can PICKLE
things like ONIONS,EGGS,GHERKINS . Less chance of splitting rubber if you use vasaline or a gel.
could u please tell me what that tool is called to put the bushing on
?
5:15 What is that vice thingy that you are using?
Safety glasses? Hearing protection when hammering? Gloves? Come on sir, be a leader!
He literally IS wearing gloves, and prescription glasses classify as eye protection as standard OSHA requirements...
You put the inner ball joint but on hand tight and never show how it is tightened, what gives? That is the hardest part of this job!
where type of 3 series is this i have a 325xi and the control arm looks different than this one
The E46 325xi (through 2005) will look similar, but the inboard ball-joint is mounted to the frame and the spindle goes through the control arm (opposite from a non-xi model. If you have an E90 325xi, (2006-11) the layout is totally different. Your control arms would be similar to the 5-series shown in this video:
blog.bavauto.com/14819/bmw-diy-video-replacing-control-thrust-strut-arms-on-late-model-bmws-e60-etc/
I80
Ummm .... ?!?!
Not the same as changing it on a Mini. Correct your title.
wow i raged it and sold my bmw to the wreckers, only because i didn't have the tool to put the control arm bushing. man what a waste >
Any tips for someone who can't get the nut off of the inner ball joint? Ours keeps spinning and jacking it up doesn't help :/
Hmmm .... so placing a jack under the inner ball joint and lifting so that the weight of the whole front-end is on it .... will not keep the ball-joint shaft from turning with the nut?
You could try jamming a pickle fork into the joint .... as hard as you can (with the hammer). If this allows the shaft to stay stationary, just keep hammering it in tighter as you loosen the nut.