BMW E46 Control Arm Bushing Replacement/DIY

Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
Today I show you how to replace a control arm bushing and how to check if you need to replace it. Let me know if you have any questions! will work for various e46 models 330i, 325i, M3, 323i, 328i
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[@DaveArrkain]

For those wondering: Control Arm Bushing Bracket Torque Specs are 44 ft-lbs (60Nm)

[@englematic]

About how many ugga duggas is that?

[@tacticalcustard5488]

@@englematic I'd say that's about 3-4 ugga duggas

[@harlanchristian5769]

a tip: watch movies at kaldrostream. Me and my gf have been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@abdullahkaison3263]

@Harlan Christian yup, I've been using KaldroStream for since december myself :D

[@amosmicah6140]

@Harlan Christian Yea, I've been watching on KaldroStream for years myself :D

[@matthewnicholas6365]

I did this on the road with a trolley jack and an epic hangover. Stopped 3 times to be sick but got the job done. Good to see a trained mechanic have the same hard time getting them off. I wonder in hindsight if it's easier to just unbolt the whole control arm leaving the bush bolted to the chassis, then yank the arm out of the bush?

[@samuelthomas1709]

Thanks for another great and informative video. I want to add something that I learned a few years ago. When working with rubber based materials in the automotive settings, such as this, there is a great help that I read little about. Alcohol! Literally, rubbing alcohol is one of the best lubricants for rubber. It cleans, lubricates (temporarily), and evaporates within moments in most cases. When I went to replace these control arm bushings yesterday i started with normal grease and found myself getting nowhere. So i backed up, removed the half installed bushing, and applied alcohol liberally and quickly installed the new bushing with far less effort than before. The second bushing seemed to go on even easier than the first. Try it! It'll make a believer out of you.

[@wammdriver]

Top tip for you from an old mechanic, if your wearing a hoodie or anything with cords when working near cars and machinery, take the cords out or cut them off. If you've ever seen them pulled into the belts on a running engine, you'll know how dangerous they are. Same happens on drills etc. Even seen one closed in a door and the customer drive off and drag the guy through a car park.

[@ArmTheCreative]

My tips since I just did this: Remove the tire off the side you are working on. Tear the bushing aluminum housing off. Dremmel the rest of the bushing off if it gets stuck. To put bushing back on, spray it with silicone spray lubricant inside AND on the control arm. Now here's the IMPORTANT PART: when you go to put the bshing back on, YOU HAVE TO COMMIT AND NOT STOP TILL ITS ALL THE WAY ON. IT WILL GO ALL THE WAY ON. BUT IF YOU STOP, It was GRAB and stay stuck. If you mess up, take it off again and retry. I had much success.

[@ramiroospino24]

Arm The Creative I didn’t use silicon but I used Dawn dishwashing soap on the control arm and bushing. It slid right in within seconds. Super fast!

[@ApaX1981]

Silicone grease is much better.

[@tronsbrother]

I had to comeback and say this actually worked. For context, before I saw this comment I struggled for a long time with getting it on all the way, tried everything. Then I read this, don't think much of it but it's worth a shot. Damn thing slide right on where it needed to be. This comment saved my ass. c Cheers!

[@Christopher.s]

Thanks for the silicone spray tip! Dish soap wasn’t cutting it. The spray worked great with some effort.

[@Bbmangood]

You guys are so awesome. I noticed that you always work with your lady and she’s just as much of a car connoisseur as you are. You have really helped so many people with helping them and try to do it yourself and you are a real credit to the human race.

[@jeremiahhenderson6005]

Great video. Your videos are detailed and presented so that even the novice DIYer can do a professional job. You have saved us lots of money and headaches regarding repairs that might had done at local shops or BMW service centers. Keep up the good work. If there was an award for outstanding KZbin channels you would be highly recommended..

[@ChrisR]

Going through this replacement right now on a 330Ci, new arms as well. Your video was very helpful sir, thanks.

[@DowntimeMedia]

How much did this run you for the 330??

[@HotlineKM1]

Getting horrible vibrations in the right wheel at highway speeds above 70mph. Especially when going over a bump or turning for a bend. Pretty sure this is the problem and thankfully an easy fix. Thank you so much for this guide❤️

[@Very-Good-GamerZ]

Thanks the video helpe me alot 🙏 my e46 sedan its like new car now 🚙😝

[@bgirls8520]

Great video. Just completed the repair and other than not having a car lift, it was just like the video showed.

[@currentresident41061]

You make excellent videos!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank you!

[@LarsDennert]

Been watching your videos for a bit. Just realized you are in Alhambra. I'm in Pasadena. I'll keep you in mind! Thanks

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately we moved back to the Carolinas in 2019

[@JWinger62]

Thanks a lot for this video. The local garage wanted 605 dollars to replace both of the bushings on my 325ci. There is no way i am paying that much after I saw how easy it was to do that.

[@JuneTreeInc]

Where do you go to fix your own car? I don’t have space in my garage :/ it’s my aunts and uncles house

[@CC-fo7oh]

​@@JuneTreeIncwon't be the answer you want to hear but outside. Technically you can just put cardboard under the car but it's pretty awful.

[@ApaX1981]

Use silicone grease (not the spray) and you slide them on by hand. It goes so smooth that it worked itself off while I was getting the bolts.

[@billbethel8375]

I was able to get a set of two new controls arms with bushings on eBay for $77 delivered. The are complete with. Ew ball joints too ! 30 minute install. Saved hundreds.

[@Bungletronics]

Thanks for the videos man! I've had my E46 for a month and they've helped a ton. Wish you were still in So Cal!

[@jcue]

I'm guessing my 318 might need this done. play in the steering and vibration when braking.

[@GiuliethAraujoJLIndustrialSolu]

Well explained as always

[@atillahun298]

I changed whole arm on one side....have to just do bushing on other side....that was easy detailed too....thanx bru

[@ivanroman2941]

Brother, I'd like to thank you for all your videos. They have helped me a lot in my job. I sell parts for all imported vehicles and I get to visualize what I sell now. Thank you much. You may want to look into our company, we have the best prices and qualities. IMC parts!!!! Keep up the good job!!!

[@wellokayyes1266]

You got a match!! 🤣 Thank you for making this!

[@АлмазКазах-л5э]

watching your videos from Kazakhstan, thanks for doing such good videos

[@stylerunner2959]

Always informative, my polyurethane bushing went out on me a couple of weeks ago. Waiting on some powerflex now. You should show how your viewers how to press it out/in with a balljoint press tool. Instead of replacing the whole carrier. I'm sure there's people out there who would like to know.

[@vogeltron9816]

Control arm bushing is a common failure with e46. I agree replacing with the Polyurthane.

[@BarbaritoAdolfo777]

VOGELTRON think twice on the poly! with heat over time they stretch and fail! i did the power flex and ebay 2 piece and both failed with in a few months.better go with meyle hd from fcpeuro lifetime warranty so when needed again they will be practically free!

[@Celestes_Nest]

Just changed my busted bushing today! THE BEST TIP was using dishwashing liquid. It glided right on! Thanks!

[@alvor07]

That One is a life hack...

[@arasa8896]

did you actually have to hit it ? 50s kid did it similar and didnt have to hit

[@mvilla4614]

Thanks for another great video. Mines needs to be replaced so I appreciate simplicity of it all.....Keep up the gud work

[@4200time]

your vids are always the best yes do the control arms even though it's not that hard you always seem to know a better way you got two weeks to post cuz thats when I'm going for it brother. just playin but seriously I'm doing mine an would like to see your tech thanks man

[@tahotoy]

Mine jammed and after refusing to remove the arm and move it to the press, I wrapped a chain through the arm and around a steel plate with a porta ram between them. "If you have the means, I highly recommend it". No blood, no missing paint or bent brackets.

[@gyorgischwartz]

omg thank you. i need to replace a control arm bushing and i was about to do it and now i have this video to help me

[@paulteran6924]

Makes sense it’s just the way I imaged it.

[@VCR1117]

Those are easy. I've done those once and it was easy. This is my 2nd time on A zhp and those dam bushings just won't go in all the way.... I'm getting tired. Going to make a special tool tomorrow using long screws to make it like a press

[@santiagoivan4968]

Thanks for your videos, all videos are excellent to understanding, congratulations I'm from Midland TX. I have 2004 330CI cope

[@paulhartley1044]

Another great video bud, took my Z4 for the MOT and it failed on the control arm bushes so I will do them tomorrow myself watching your vid, Paul U.K. 🙂

[@buzzyinurface]

Paul Hartley wow, the UK has some high standards for inspection. Many states in the US don’t even have an inspection!!

[@JohnFaire]

The difficult part to undetstand is how far on the control arm is "all the way in" some people may put it on too far up the arm and this would cause the bushing to fail rather quickly. please let us know if you have any info on this, or feel its important for others to uderstand. thanks for the video

[@MadnessMotorworks]

you do one at a time and simply match the other

[@JohnFaire]

@@MadnessMotorworks Good tip. But it's not a perfect world. Unless you can prove your car has never had these changed out before, the last person to replace this part, possibly put it on wrong. This happens because people don't know they have to measure. "Look at my video on KZbin of me simply using a hammer and piece of wood," they might say. Just matching sides, they could just be repeating the mistake the previous person made, and would never know. But since posting this question, I've found a definitive answer from the Bentley Manual. The spec is measured from the bottom/center of the inner ball joint, along the arm, to the inner face of the FCAB housing. In between, the distance is supposed to measure 289mm +/- 1mm, for the smaller 60mm bushing. And for the larger 66mm bushing, it's 291mm +/- 1mm. I pushed mine on too far. Oh well

[@blackpassenger]

dude, that is the eeeeasiest control arm bushing ever.

[@jasonbusch8356]

Awesome video! That’s me sorted this weekend.

[@tengzturiagaiii3185]

Can you replace just the ball joint instead of the whole control arm?

[@landorslam]

Just did this today , took about 2 hours lol

[@ShopLifeTV]

nice! that is not bad

[@INNO222]

Is it the same for a E39? Thanks. Great clip.

[@465painkiller465]

Now they sell just the bushing and not the case that bolts to the chassis. Is it worth saving some money on?

[@bogusienombre355]

Where is the folow up video that shows indepth how to replace the control arm bushing on 2000 325i? Anyone or Jason please.

[@chris24hdez]

Just in time! I need mine done! Thanks!

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheritrix5733]

Do you hear squeaking and squealing when slowing down or turning if it's the bushing?

[@yoshiibarra2103]

Good looking out my G 🙏🏾

[@zackhallam914]

Good video .. I got this on my bmw rear end

[@paulsmith3829]

Should be wearing eye protection brother! Other than that, Rocking DIY video!

[@SilverBackk93]

if i working on the ground, do i have to lift the car to do this? i have an inspection pit

[@Sir-Kay]

What type of lube is safe on rubber bushings like this?

[@simplexone2709]

thank you for all of your videos. they have been a huge help already and ive only just got the vehicle. youve told me how to replace the termostat the purgevalve and now this. is there any way i can ask you a question?

[@mikkihintikka7273]

Love your content man. keep it up.

[@ManuelRodriguez-dd4jt]

Mr Shop . what type of noise is with this inconvenience?? when you accelerates the sound is like .. tatatatata and its stops when you release de gaspedal ?? thanks very much mrshplife amazing job your channel.

[@DavidAndruczyk]

Regular Grease eats rubber so don’t use that if you want it to last. Use silicone grease instead that’s rubber safe.

[@caseymaples19xx]

It's easy with a car lift, I just did this in the driveway with a car Jack and stands sucked so bad.

[@edgarcastilla02]

WHERE IS THIS SHOP AT !!!!! I can’t find it

[@_eh.]

keep up with good videos! great channel

[@floridamule]

Is it important to get the exact clocking nailed down before bushing is installed or can bushing be “rotated” to make sure the bolt holes are at the right place for reinserting bolts?

[@sydbell8508]

They are marked Left & Right Now that is the way to do it !!!! Passenger side steering arm rubber gaiter split.

[@christiandemarino8895]

Thanks for sharing as always!

[@mikail763]

Good job😁

[@michaelcarter5]

So you don't have to loosen the ball joints . Will this require an alignment after.

[@dejanfilipovic6369]

I buy some rubber bushing with oil inside or take just rubber? Tnx

[@johnbron]

Great video! Thank you. I'm about to do this myself. I'm wondering if you know where to find/what to call those phillips head screws that hold up the plastic shield protecting the engine. I've lost a few and can't seem to find them easily. Thank you!

[@katjerouac]

I put mine on backwards. I wasn't looking at this indent on the holes. I got the left side on correctly, but I but it on backwards.

[@mrdude3540]

Where is your shop located?

[@31acruz]

dont forget to tell us the torque for all important bolts you install please.

[@fabiomatos6675]

Hey there, I’ve replaced control arms and bushing.. all new parts, but i notice a small movement in the arm bushing...i’m assuming it is normal, am I right? I mean, it’s rubber inside, it is supposed to move a bit, correct? Cheers

[@emanueladamache7034]

i live in the central valley, would be cool to stop by if im ever in the area and say hi

[@VisionOfDish]

Could you use a Stanley knife on the old bushing left on the wishbone?

[@Aldahandi]

what do you think of turner monoball ones ?

[@Michael-mn9fj]

YOU SHOULD MAKE SHIRTS/HOODIES FOR YOUR SHOP AND WEAR THEM IN YOUR VIDEOS, I WAS LOOKING AT THE SHIRT THINKING IT SAID THE SHOP NAME

[@kevincicero8352]

Dumb question alert, can I perform this with the car pulled up on ramps or do I need to have the weight of the car off the wheel?

[@JD-mn7sv]

Will it need realigned if ONLY replacing the front bushings? My driver side bushing is so bad and collapsed that someone previously had hammered 5 or 6 nails into the lower rubber part just to prop it back up. Also what are the torque specs for the bushings and triangle reinforcement bracket?

[@waynelinks]

Hi Jason, Thanks for making these videos. The portable impact wrench you're using, what is the specs of it, is it sufficient for most diy on BMW's. Keep up the good work man.

[@rokitman5753]

20 volt brushless Mastercraft from Canadian Tire

[@mcnugger8305]

Just letting anyone who comes on here. You DO NOT NEED. that bushing removing tool. This dude took way too long and over complicated that part. Just get torque vise pliers or grips or what ever you wanna call them. Make sure you have the left over inside part of the bushing held on tight. And then move it side to side it will slide out.

[@ethanramdahin8016]

Thank you so much

[@ihussain1987markaz]

Great page!! I have 2 question, my 2003 e46 which has a pretty loud squeaky sound. Could you guide me on what things it could be ? I've been told by the previous owner that the rear springs have been changed 2 years ago. Dunno if that has any connection to it. And also, my engine when it's running isn't quite despite being a petrol. Has a sound like a piece of plastic is constantly flapping. Any idea what it can be? ? Appreciate the replies. Love this e46

[@pewpface9767]

Question... at 6:40 of the video you say you can get the control arm with the bushings already pre-pressed from? Mile H D ??? I looked online and cant find mile hd

[@stoikmusah560]

I need yourhelp. I took my 2002 bmw e46 3 series to the car wash and I decided to use jet wash to wash the alloy wheels. After I finished jet washing the wheels I decided to drive off and lool the steering became extremely stiff , it was so stiff that I have to struggle to turn into and side street. Prior to go to the car wash the steering was fine and not stiff. but immediately after the jet wash on the wheels the steering became stiff. Pleaase whats the reason for this and how can I get this fix. Please send my regards to your Girl friend that helps you with these videos. Its been really helpful to me in Manchester

[@matthewdower5383]

Can this been done just using a jack i.e no 2/4 post lift?

[@alanpangan5859]

Matthew Dower yes can do car ramp and a jack and supporting stand

[@___rocaj]

Quick question is it supposed to be like really hard to get the bushing onto the arm, I bought ebay front suspension and am having the hardest time. I did use grease and wd40

[@1BMWdrvr1]

Hey, you grew 2 extra hands for part of the video and they came with white gloves? That's a pretty good trick, an extra hand or two can come in pretty, ummm, handy?

[@justinpotter4192]

Do I have to replace both sides at the same time?

[@marvinmaya8163]

Hi Jason, would you happen to know what size bushings for front control arm be on a 2004 325xi? I keep finding online 60mm and 66mm

[@seankaine2411]

Wish you came to the tri-state area instead of California. Like if you were on long island bruh you would have made a real killing.

[@18luckyvlogs]

Happy New Year Jay...good to see you Dawg 👊🏾..BTW nice hair...no homo 👍🏾

[@mattp9932]

are these going bad at 50-60 or over 100k+ miles

[@devinking1554]

Hey brother I have a 2004 bmw 325i and my bushings are screwed like completely. I need a lift to get to it properly. Is it possible to use yours as well as an extra hand to fix it?

[@melissat922]

What should the torque be on those? I’m replacing my Z3 bushing and anti roll bar link next week

[@nickamarit]

I have custom lathed FCABs on my E46. However, I believe that they are not equal in size because my caster measurement has 1 degree of difference left (4.6 degrees) and right (3.6 degrees). Do you think my largely differing caster values are a result of the poorly fabbed FCABs? Or are their any other reasons that might cause caster to be different by that much.

[@isrealperez9069]

I learned that grease don't work as good to be Landry soap or detergent soap

[@99Technetium]

Hey ShopLife, I have a question concerning the reinforcement brace under an E46. Is there a significant difference between the triangular brace and full plate? I opted to switch my plate for the triangular brace because the jack point on the plate was not very strong. I would love to know your thoughts about this.

[@H3YdUD3]

bmw added the triangular to newer models so answer is yes. generally triangles are stronger if you look at engineering.

[@treyh3586]

Hey I know this video is kinda Old but I just replaced my control arm bushings an the inner rubber ring Came Out . What do I do ? Push it back in ?

[@Alex_Edits85]

What size is that 3 jaw puller .. there's a 4" or like a 6"

[@ItsJoshN]

Can you please make a PA soft tutorial? And does anybody else get the hardware faulty pop up when trying to use the PA Soft even with the appropriate drivers installed? Same problem for me on windows 10, 7, and xp

[@voodoochild2319]

Thanks for the video. I am new to CA how far are you from Rialto

[@paulbrion1641]

Alhambra?? Nice. Hope to bring in my son's 2001 330ci soon. Yup, need new control arm bushings. I work right at the corner of mission and fremont in alhambra!

[@GENERATIONFLIPPODCAST]

problem just had my control arm , bushing tierods put in, but my traction light and brake light on now yellow (why, how what to do? need help im in boyle heights seeking help with this issue) ty luv your vids bro.. not bad

[@ilustur]

nathaniel fox it happing for me too, im guessing a part isn’t placed right. and does your car drive the same?

[@fearthereaper5663]

Why do you change it?

[@isrealperez9069]

Is that the same for 4dr 325xi