Control arm bushing check and replace

# Control arm bushing, replace.

Unbolt control arm bracket from frame rail. |
Use a puller to remove bushing and bracket as a unit from the control arm. |
Press bushing out of bracket. |
Alternately, cut rubber of bushing until bracket can be removed. Then cut parallel with control arm to get center section of bushing off arm, cut outer shell out of bracket.
Press new bushing into bracket, align the arrow on the bushing with the arrow on the bracket. |
Bushing is pressed into bracket starting from the side of the bracket with the beveled edge. Apply an evaporating lubricant such as dishwashing soap to the bushing.
Bracket and bushing assembly can be pushed onto a well lubricated control arm by hand. Twisting while pushing will aid installation.
Another method is to find a deep socket large enough to go over the control arm, but small enough so as to contact the center sleeve of the bushing, and tap the assembly on with a hammer.
Install assembly on control arm so that the counter sunk locating bores on the bracket are facing the frame rail.
The bushing must be preloaded. This can be achieved by installing the bushing on the arm with an evaporating lubricant such as dishwashing soap, and lowering the car onto its own weight before the lubricant dries. Bouncing the car up and down several times will aid in correctly seating the bushing.
Bushing can also be preloaded by placing in the correct position on the control arm and allowing the lubricant to dry, before bolting to frame rail. Correct preloaded position has the tab on the bushing running parallel to the arm.

### Torques:

Control arm mount to frame : 42 Nm (30 ft lbs.)

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson