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Looking to borrow, rent or buy the tool for replacing the large rear subframe bushings. I think the tool may be the same for the W220 models as well. I am located in Las Vegas.
Even a recommendation of a tool would be appreciated, if you hve used one that works. I have the Front Ball Joint tool, and some have said this might be used as a makeshift tool.
ThanksTim. I have seen that tool before. That link indicates in the description that it is for install only. I can see that part working well. Did you somehow use it for removal also, or make up something as an aid?
I did not use it to remove the bushing, for that I used a regular bushing press kit (for most of the way out) and after that the weight of the car and a hammer
I didn't unbold/remove any of the drivetrain components, just leave the subframe attached with the front bushing and remove/install the other one. I've got it on tape, but the YouTube video won't be out soon, I simply have no time to edit
Thanks for clarifying. I've found a kit that may do both install and removal, but it would help if you could measure the ID and OD of the round piece that sits on top of the bushing for install (if you still have the tool). I could compare that measurement with the ones in the kit to see if there is a potential match.
Do you have the subframe bushing? If so, the ID and OD that sits on top of the bushing matches the dimensions of the bushing.
I'll try to remember to measure them this friday, if I don't remember, please remind me
Tim, I haven't ordered the bushings yet. Making a decision regarding buying the tools to do the job vs having an Independent repair house do the work. I prefer to do my own work, and have a lift, so it's just the cost of the tool that has slowed me down. I hate it when the tools cost more than the parts.... In the past, I have made tools to do this sort of job, so that is also an option.
Well, the tool I bought in post $9 above does not fit the bushings. May work for the sub-frame arm bushings, but not the ones in the sub-frame themselves.
Will keep looking, or may just make something up...
Tim, I will keep that tool in mind, but am looking for a complete set that will do front and rear, remove and install. Worst case I will fab my own, but as I always say, any job is easy with the right tools.
Update. Could not find a full set that would do the bushings, so I fabbed up my own. Took a few hours of fiddling, and some adjustment during the install, but overall worked out great. Total job took about 4 hours, including about an hour of fiddling with the tools to make them work. Probably could have done it in 3 or less now that I know how to make the tools fit.
In case there are DIY types out there that search the threads, I'll post some pictures and a measured drawing of the tools I fabbed, plus a picture of the one tool I bought. I've done this type of job before, and the hardest part is finding a solid screw that will handle the load, so I bought a cheap kit on Amazon that had a couple of long screws with nuts that had a Radial Thrust bearing, and in addition it included some round disks that came in handy as well. I've tried this with All Thread before, and the threads just do not last. As usual, do not use an impact wrench, no matter how anxious you are. Slow and steady with a socket wrench gets the job done.
Alltooetools Subframe Bush Removal Tool Kit Compatible with BMW E32 E34 E38 E60 E65 E66