E36 Subframe bushing removal

[sprbxr]

Besides using the proper tool, what is the best method of removing rear subframe bushings?

Thanks

[B.Watts]

Torch...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8421441&postcount=32

[Eric1H]

Heat the OUTSIDE of the subframe where the bushings sit, until you see a little rubber start to bubble up around the edge, then start whacking the bushing with a hammer and it will pop right out.

That post above looked more like he was setting the whole bushing on fire!! that would taker FOREVER!

[B.Watts]

Bigger flames = more fun.

[vjlax18]

I use a press and a short piece of 3" exhaust pipe. Come out no problem at all.

[JClark]

We just did skiboard06's subframe bushings this weekend with the torch method, and yes, set them on fire. Heat the top enough where it will hold a flame, and then do the same to the bottom. Sit back and roast marshmallows. The rings inside will slide out once they melt enough. Then just tap the outer ring out. Big flames, lots o fun.

[Greg S]

WD40+Fire+BFH

[Eric1H]

You guys like to work wayyyyyyyyyyy too hard. Just a little heat on the outside and it will literally fall out with a light hammer tap, not to mention all the bad things that burning that dense rubber puts into the air! It doesnt require a bonfire to get them out, reallly

:-p

[JClark]

Torch method is actually real easy. Just set them on fire and watch. :D

[NeilM]

For those people not interested in setting their garages on fire, the same press tool you use for RTABs also works for the rear subframe bushings.

Neil

[vinnymac]

For those people not interested in setting their garages on fire, the same press tool you use for RTABs also works for the rear subframe bushings.

Neil



Yup, that's exactly what I used to do mine.

[BJO]

Yup, that's exactly what I used to do mine.

That will not work on the bushings by the swaybar bracket if you have the turner reinforcements

[TC Design]

We use the fire method :devillook

-Tony

[GGray]

I hole sawed the centers out then sawer them in two places onthe sides they fell right out. no fire needed...:D

[B.Watts]

One torch, two lawn chairs, 1 6-pack of beer. What am I missing here? I'm starting to wonder if some of you folks who are trying to get this done without big fires are really car guys or not. :)

[bmw15012]

FIRE !!!...FIRE...!!..yeah, cool....( Beavis)

[GGray]

One torch, two lawn chairs, 1 6-pack of beer. What am I missing here? I'm starting to wonder if some of you folks who are trying to get this done without big fires are really car guys or not. :)

i think its a southern thing with fire. Most city boys don't get to play with large scale fire like most southerns.

Fire+paint cans= loud fun!
*note: when using fire and paint cans you have to have barrier to hide behind. Adult beverages also add to the excitement and fun...

[vinnymac]

That will not work on the bushings by the swaybar bracket if you have the turner reinforcements

Not true. I have the rear sway bar reinforcements on my race car and we removed my stock bushings with the VPD RTAB tool without any issues.

[jkuper]

Torch...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8421441&postcount=32

Be sure to wear Dockers :devillook

[dmwhite]

One torch, two lawn chairs, 1 6-pack of beer. What am I missing here? I'm starting to wonder if some of you folks who are trying to get this done without big fires are really car guys or not. :)

i thought you learned your lesson about fire last year in canada? :eek:

and one 6-pack? wtf?

[Mike S]

Not true. I have the rear sway bar reinforcements on my race car and we removed my stock bushings with the VPD RTAB tool without any issues.

I have both the E36 rear subframe tool kit *and* the RTAB tool. It took the *latter* to remove the bushings at the swaybar end of the subframe on my M3. Everyone with an E36 3-series should have the RTAB tool.

The subframe bushing puller kit is very effective on E36 M coupes though.

Mike
Tool Ho

[dcvee]

For those people not interested in setting their garages on fire, the same press tool you use for RTABs also works for the rear subframe bushings.

Neil

...always gotta be one guy that spoils the fun:stickoutt

Don

[B.Watts]

i thought you learned your lesson about fire last year in canada? :eek:

Hey, it's a good story now that no one was injured and the car is fine. :D


and one 6-pack? wtf?

I should have specified...1 6-pack per bushing x 4 bushings.

[JClark]

One torch, two lawn chairs, 1 6-pack of beer. What am I missing here? I'm starting to wonder if some of you folks who are trying to get this done without big fires are really car guys or not. :)


Seriously. It sounds like you guys have solutions so you dont have to use fire. I look to solve all problems with fire first, and then other more boring solutions afterwards.

We have pictures of us sitting around the flaming subframe with lawn chairs and beer.

[dmwhite]

I should have specified...1 6-pack per bushing x 4 bushings.
now you're getting somewhere :D

[sprbxr]

Heat the OUTSIDE of the subframe where the bushings sit, until you see a little rubber start to bubble up around the edge, then start whacking the bushing with a hammer and it will pop right out.

That post above looked more like he was setting the whole bushing on fire!! that would taker FOREVER!


This method took me 10min tops. :buttrock

[Quailane]

I used a universal bushing puller tool my dad bought at some auto store. It worked like a charm. I tried the fire method, but all I got was a lot of nasty black smoke.

[Mike S]

I used a universal bushing puller tool my dad bought at some auto store. It worked like a charm. I tried the fire method, but all I got was a lot of nasty black smoke.

Judging by the earlier posts, you didn't use enough beer. :D

[m3ltw98]

MAPP torch + a foot of 1.5" roll cage tubing with a flat plate welded on the end+ BFH 4lb sledge= lots of fun and 4 bushings out in 20mins. Black smoke is a bonus for the neighbors when they're out by their pool

[skiboard06]

Well as JClark alluded to, fire and lawn chairs is our local preferred method of bushing removal. And yes words are worth nothing so here are teh pics...

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/skiboard06/101607_16291.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/skiboard06/101607_16292.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/skiboard06/101607_16301.jpg

I have video that I may post as well, it's more fun with e36's and fire.


To sum up, play with fire often, you're not getting any younger.

[GUINNESS]

Wow... this thread makes me look forward to doing my subframe bushings :)

And now that the weather is getting a little cold, that fire is going to be great!

[M3Alpine99]

personally I would heat the outside and knock out the bushing... That is just me :)

I want to just purchase another subframe and doe this first and put my bushings in and simply swap everything at that point :)

[JClark]

^^ If you're upgrading to a Powerflex or similar, they dont need to be pressed in. So all you have to do it torch the old ones, wait for it to cool, and stick in the new ones, and bolt it back up.

[NeilM]

I want to just purchase another subframe and doe this first and put my bushings in and simply swap everything at that point :)

Yeah, but not once you've found out how much they cost. <g>

OK, I concede: the fire method is clearly more fun! Problem is that now you've burned half the paint off your subframe, and for those of us who live in states not under semi-perpetual drought conditions, that means repainting it.

Neil

[B.Watts]

Problem is that now you've burned half the paint off your subframe, and for those of us who live in states not under semi-perpetual drought conditions, that means repainting it.

It's probably already worn off in areas anyway. We generally put a fresh coat of paint on every suspension item before throwing it back on the car.

[SQ Bimmer]

Another vote for torch!

[JClark]

Yeah, but not once you've found out how much they cost. <g>

OK, I concede: the fire method is clearly more fun! Problem is that now you've burned half the paint off your subframe, and for those of us who live in states not under semi-perpetual drought conditions, that means repainting it.

Neil

Give in to the torch method. :D

If it's a northeast car, theres so much rust on it, paint is the last of your concerns.

[mlytle]

best thread in a long time!!!

mmmm, fire....
heck, everything that comes off the car gets cleaned and painted before it goes back on anyway, might as well torch it first!

and yes, i have used fire on bushings before too...

[Torquewrench]

What paint are you using?

[mlytle]

whatever rustoleum rattle can is in the cupboard in the shop.

[S.Lang]

Another vote for beer, fire, then more beer. Topped off by beer.

[Greg S]

Another vote for beer, fire, then more beer. Topped off by beer.
Don't forget the beer.

[AirDoc]

Hracha!!...(Ringo from Caveman....showing my age?)

Fire...Fire...(Beavis and Butthead)

[nick325xit 5spd]

Heat the OUTSIDE of the subframe where the bushings sit, until you see a little rubber start to bubble up around the edge, then start whacking the bushing with a hammer and it will pop right out.

That post above looked more like he was setting the whole bushing on fire!! that would taker FOREVER!
It didn't take me long at all. And besides, now I have pictures posted on t3h intarnets!

Plus, it was a fun distraction. You get bonus points if the flame goes out for a moment and propane spills all over the nozzle before re-igniting. That was slightly worrisome. ;)

[CrashnburnINC]

For those people not interested in setting their garages on fire, the same press tool you use for RTABs also works for the rear subframe bushings.

Neil

Will the newer VPD RTAB tool (the "bridge" version) do the job or are you refering to the older "cup" version? any modifications required to the tool? Will the tool do all 5 of the bushings?