Comments on: E30 Rear subframe and subframe bushing removal and install https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/ Your resource to do it yourself and interesting BMW and E30 stuff. (e30 mostly + e36, e46) Fri, 31 Dec 2021 21:40:17 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.14 By: preston h quirk https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-3526 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 21:40:17 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-3526 This info was helpful. At first I did not understand the double socket setup for the subframe large end bushings, but after I figured out the notches on each side, i got it to work. I made a small tool from 3 pcs of 1″x1/4″ steel bar – a flat piece about 6″ wide and welded 2 vertical legs to it about 1.5″ high with the edges spaced just a smidge less than the bushing diameter (measured at the inside of the 2 notches – about 2.375″ apart. This worked great to get them out the first 1.5″, then I could get 2 sockets in and get the bushings out the other 1″. All this was done in a large vise with a small pipe extension on the vise handle. I have a photo of the tool I made and the sockets in the vise setup if anyone wants the photos. I am not sure how to add them to this post. Feel free to email me. Always nice to do it yourself and not have to take it to some machine shop.

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By: m_dudey https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-3522 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 22:18:23 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-3522 great write-up! one thing you left out to disconnect is the speed sensor wire to the diff.

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By: admin https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-3410 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 06:16:46 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-3410 In reply to estoguy.

Although you may have had success with a rubber mallet (especially if you were installing aftermarket bushings) the norm with tight fitting rubber OE and OEM bushings will not aid well to a hammer. A vise or a press makes for a much easier job.

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By: bre30 https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-3394 Tue, 18 Oct 2016 00:29:57 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-3394 thanks very much for this awesome writeup. just completed this job and could not have done it without your help!

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By: estoguy https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-3124 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 16:35:04 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-3124 When I did my subframe bushings, I found the install was easy – I cleaned the inside of the subframe tube with a wire brush and cordless drill. I lubed the bushings with a bit of soapy water, and you can actually use a rubber mallet and smack them in. A few whacks, and they were in all the way. No farting around with vises.

Just my 0.05 (we don’t have pennies in Canada anymore LOL)

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By: admin https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-2989 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 02:30:46 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-2989 In reply to joeye30.

The subframe bushings are likely still seized. The best course of action is to tap the aluminum sleeve and then thread in a large bolt and then use a vise grip slide hammer to hammer it out. This can be done after cutting away the rubber which will let the subframe lower and will only leave the aluminum sleeve.

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By: joeye30 https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-rear-subframe-and-subframe-bushing-removal-and-install/comment-page-1/#comment-2921 Fri, 23 Aug 2013 22:17:35 +0000 http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=963#comment-2921 Hello,
Thanks for the great website, and thanks for this how to on the rear sub frame. I have a problem and a question please.
I have followed the instructions for the e30 subframe removal, and I have a jack beneath the differential. Here is my problem: when I lower the jack, the subframe unit comes down about 1 1/2 inches and then just stops. The driveshaft is completely removed. I cannot see or feel anything that the subframe is catching on at this point. The big bolts that run through the subframe bushing are out, and the mounting plates are removed, but it looks as if the subframe is still “pivoting” near the subframe bushing area? Have I forgotten something? I followed the instructions to the letter and triple checked my work. Any assistance would be very appreciated!!!
Joey

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