Replacing the Front Control Arm Bushings | BMW E46 M3
Вставка
- Опубліковано 22 бер 2020
- ** If you need help pressing bushings out/in to the existing housing, send an email to thetirekickers@gmail.com. You cover shipping and I'll install the new bushings free of charge. **
Today I’m replacing the Front Control Arm Bushings (FCABs) on my 2002 BMW M3. I decided to go with Genuine BMW FCABs as they were only about $36 each from ECS Tuning. There are other aftermarket options, but I cannot vouch for the quality of these products. Based on my research, it seems that the general consensus from the M3 community is that the BMW FCABs are perfectly adequate for street driving and moderate track use. Stay away from polyurethane as these bushing have a history of premature failure. If you’re looking for a noticeable performance upgrade, consider Turner Motorsport’s Monoball FCAB, but be prepared to drop $230.
SYMPTOMS:
I replaced my FCABs as preventive maintenance, but here are some of the symptoms that may indicate worn FCABs:
- Slight wander on the freeway.
- Noise/clunks from front suspension.
- Steering jerks to left/right when quickly stabbing the brake pedal (stabbing meaning quickly depressing the pedal and releasing, NOT slamming on the brakes and coming to a stop).
- With vehicle parked and on the ground, place your foot at about the 10 o’clock position on the front tire. Shove toward the back of the car. If tire moves, you could have a bad FCAB. Check this video out for a demo: • How to tell if BMW E46...
This procedure is for an E46 M3, but it will essentially be the same for all late 1990's and early 2000's 3 series (E46) BMWs.
E46 MODELS:
323i / 323ci (1998 - 2000)
325i / 325ci (2001 - 2006)
328i / 328ci (1998 - 2006)
330i / 330ci (2000 - 2006)
M3 (2000 - 2006)
Z4 (E85/E86) (2002 - 2008)
PROCEDURE:
Overall, this is a relatively simple repair that will most likely take between 2-3 hours to complete depending on how you choose to attack it. For the E46 M3, the easiest option is to replace the bushing + housing assembly, but the Genuine BMW FCABs with the metal retainer will run you about $200 total. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you can press the old bushing out of the existing retainer, and then press in the new bushing. This option will cost you about $75 in parts as the Genuine BMW bushings are about $36 each, but will require special tools and/or some creativity to perform. The last option is similar to the pressing method, but will definitely be the most difficult. Using a hand drill, you can remove the majority of the rubber from the old bushing and then tap out the bushing’s metal ring with a screw driver and hammer. I wouldn’t say I recommend this method, but I’ve seen that it is possible. I went with the second option as I have access to a hydraulic press so that’s what this video focuses on.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions, thanks for watching!
PARTS:
1. M3 - Bushing Only
- PN: 31122229857 x 2
- www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-b...
- Turner Motorsport Monoball: www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-mo...
2. M3 - Bushing + Retainer
- PN: 31122229623 (L) + 31122229624 (R)
- www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-b...
- www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-b...
3. Other E46s - Bushing + Retainer Set
- PN: 31126783376
- www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-b...
TOOLS:
1. Floor Jack
2. 2 x Jack Stands
3. 8 mm Socket
4. 16 mm Socket
5. 3-Jaw Puller
6. Flat Head Screw Driver
7. Dish Soap
8. Torque Ratchet
9. Bushing Press Kit (optional)
- www.harborfreight.com/master-...|||63725&gclid=CjwKCAjwvOHzBRBoEiwA48i6AsmTCXDaa-Jlg_EobIT0CnUJCpo2W1MIF4wwV1ICV10rxSXh9DoIEhoCCyUQAvD_BwE
10. Hydraulic Shop Press (optional)
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Tire Kickers, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Tire Kickers assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Tire Kickers recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Tire Kickers, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Tire Kickers. - Авто та транспорт
I just did this job. I used the dawn soap trick and it worked great. The whole job took 40 minutes using a replacement set. I spent more time just getting to the bushings than replacing them. The soap was the real advantage.
This is the best and straightforward video
Very well done, super useful
I'm looking forward to changing that front bushings on my E46 M3 too. Had the bushings in my garage right now. Nice vid.
Awesome Seth! Did you buy the bushings already pressed into the housing, or do you plan on pressing in the new bushings yourself? Thanks for watching!
@@TireKickers the bushings already pressed into the housing, it ready to install. Make it easier for me to install.
Sweet, best of luck with the install!
@@TireKickers thanks, maybe I made a short video of the install too✌
Definitely, you might have a tip/trick that I didn't cover in my video!
Wow, fantastic video. Can we please get more e46 DIYs?
Thank you! I have a couple more e46 DIYs planned and in work, anything in particular that you're looking for?
Tire Kickers ssk install, headers, suspension etc
@@Michael-pz6oj good ideas, my M3 already has a ssk installed but coilovers and exhaust are definitely mods that I want to do soon. I'll get videos of those installs no doubt
Tire Kickers coil overs how to would be dope!
Great video - thanks!
What size was the 3-Way Jaw Puller?
Fantastic video, what would the symptoms of this part being not fit for purpose? I have terrible play at 12o clock on my wheel and a slight clunking on the steering wheel too.
Possible steering guibo
@@Slvr_Grey_M3 Thanks Matt, I’ve replaced the part that is further down that has the rubber doughnut type thing within the metal casing that attached on to steering rack. Made no real difference, now I have bought the part further up towards the steering wheel, the longer swivel part if that makes sense.
Also have a purple steering rack and new track rod assembly sitting to go on too, some people have also mentioned the control arm bushing?
Do you think it's cheaper to have a shop press the bushings out than to buy the tools yourself? I may go that route.
Yes, I'd say that's a better option than buying the tools. I can help press them out/in if you have trouble finding a shop since I have everything to do it already.
@@TireKickers can I send u mine?
Could I just punch the bushing out