Front lower bush replacement

C

cj10jeeper

Lifer
 Lichfield, England
Lost deep in another thread about steering Geo set up I need to replace the lower wishbone rear 'lollipop' bushes so have a question:

Should I go for:

1 ) like for like OEM bushes

2) aftermarket polybushes http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320340297365

or 3) something special such as those offered by Simpson motorsport
http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/bmw-tuning/product.asp?id=67&pid=67&cid=61&pcid=59&product=101

What are the advantages /disadvantages of the different types? I recall from my Jeeps that poly can be hard and not actually last very long.

(I've already emailed Curtis as he may have an opinion on this one)
 
Shipkiller said:
Jeep, do you happen to know if you have to have the car realigned when you replace those two bushing?
Click to expand...

That's a good question. My gut feeling would be that if you have had it aligned since they wore, then replacements will 'correct' to a now wrong position, so would need aligning to be true. I also read in one article that fitting the replacements allows less toe out to be run.

While this does not affect me as I'll be doing it as a step in the alignment process I would get the toe out reset.
 
I am going to order the powerflex bush kit front and rear from larkspeed, mayaswell replace all the rubber bushes!
 
ChillZ4 said:
I am going to order the powerflex bush kit front and rear from larkspeed, mayaswell replace all the rubber bushes!
Click to expand...

Interesting - that was one of my 3 options. What made you choose Poly over OEM? My biggest concern is poly can wear quickly and induce a lot more crashing and vibration, while of course in the shorter term giving much better steering and suspension set up and control.

I had a read on the powerflex site. Lot of interesting info there.
 
I've very much trusted Curtis on this - had a few PMs back and forth with him on the subject.Brad recommended that replacing bushes 1 and 3 in this pic:

http://www.powerflex.co.uk/resize_image.php?image=Z4.jpg&w=450

was a good option if you want to run accurate geometry - the OEM bushes allow a hell of a lot of movement, so the geometry is always changing unless you firm them up.

And yes, chances are you'd disturb the geometry settings during fitting of these bushes, so would need set up again...
 
a11y
Strangely that was the very set of diagrams I was looking at after following up the idea of powerflex bushes.
I'm awaiting some feedback from Guglielmi as to the relative benefits of various options. You're spot on re the need to set up having changed the bushes. In fact this morning I was in conversation about the compromise between static and dynamis settings as the suspension loads up while driving. Fascinating stuff, if a bit technical for a road not track car...

My biggest concern with poly is that they are prone to rapid wear, early seizure and transfer of a lot of noise to the cabin (others comments not mine). At the moment I remain undecided on which route to take.
 
ChillZ4 said:
I was under the impression the powerflex bushes will last longer and outperfrom standard bushes in every way!
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I'll not well enough informed to agree with or challenge that statement, but if it's from the makers or sellers then of course they would say that.
What's your reference?

My sourse is not excited about me fitting them, has stopped using them on all Lotus due to seizure and is speaking to the BMW dealers to get some inside track on OEM and possible factory uprated. When I referenced the Simpson motor sport there was a thought for that price (£125/pair bushes only) he would have some custom ones made for mine, which they do all the time. Simpson motor sport themselves slate 2 part design, which I assume refers to poly.
 
I too am in the process of needing to do this :(

I've been told that my lower arms are f"*ked too & that this is a common problem on the E46/Z4's

i personally was gonna go for OEM jobbies off ebay as i couldn't handle any more rattle if the powerflex ones tend to cause more vibration through the cabin!

anything wrong with this setup on ebay? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Z4-E46-316-318-320-325-FRONT-WISHBONE-ARMS-2-BUSH_W0QQitemZ160316479936QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item160316479936&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

am i right in thinking that repacing these parts will reduce the constant rattles and bumps that i'm feeling at the moment? :?
 
I see no need to replace the wishbones unless you know the 2 balljoints to be worn.

Personally I'd not trust unknown parts off Ebay. I'd stick to genuine OEM or a well known and recommended aftermarket.

I priced the OEM bushes today at £90 and they are already fitted in the 'lollipops' so an easier swap over.
 
so you'd not go for the items i listed?

i was told that my bushes are fine (changed them about 6 months ago) but it's the lower arms that are gone. i'd need to get both because apaarently the bushes cannot be removed intact once fitted. i don't know whether i'm getting smoke blown up my A55 or not :?
 
rochey said:
so you'd not go for the items i listed?

i was told that my bushes are fine (changed them about 6 months ago) but it's the lower arms that are gone. i'd need to get both because apaarently the bushes cannot be removed intact once fitted. i don't know whether i'm getting smoke blown up my A55 or not :?
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rochey - Only you know how reliable your source is. It was just my opinion that I would not trust castings, balljoints and bushes on critical suspension components from an unknown Ebay source/manufacturer. I cannot imagine the excitement if it collapsed at 100 mph. Can't see why the bushes would be damaged just taking them of the wishbone.

I was running this thread just to compare opinions on different types of bushes, as I have limited experience of this aspect of the Z4
 
cj10jeeper said:
a11y
Strangely that was the very set of diagrams I was looking at after following up the idea of powerflex bushes.
I'm awaiting some feedback from Guglielmi as to the relative benefits of various options. You're spot on re the need to set up having changed the bushes. In fact this morning I was in conversation about the compromise between static and dynamis settings as the suspension loads up while driving. Fascinating stuff, if a bit technical for a road not track car...

My biggest concern with poly is that they are prone to rapid wear, early seizure and transfer of a lot of noise to the cabin (others comments not mine). At the moment I remain undecided on which route to take.
Click to expand...
I'll be interested to hear what Giglielmi say about poly bushes :)



Although I've got them I've yet to fit them. I think it was Curtis who I spoke to via PMs about bushes: my concern/understanding was that poly bushes transfer more vibration into the cabin than OEM rubber ones, but he assured me this wasn't the case with these bushes in question. Of course, I'm going on Curtis' word on this, but from reading his posts from the past, IMO he knows what he's talking about and I trust him.

My reason for fitting poly bushes is to achieve more consistent suspension geometry. As the suspension works, the OEM rubber bushes allow a lot of movement, meaning any geometry setup is compromised, i.e. the bushes deform and change the geometry settings. Replacing with firmer bushes provides a better base for the suspension to work, and helps the suspension perform to the settings you've had it set to.

Replacing certain bushes/mounts, e.g. engine/gearbox mounts, with poly ones will definately increase the amount of transferred vibration, but Curtis assured me replacing bushes 1 and 3 in that diagram above wouldn't affect comfort.

I'll take him at his word, but if anyone hears different from trusted sources then post up! Again, I'm not claiming to be an expert in this stuff but am keen to learn.
 
I have had powerflex fitted on previous non bmw cars in the past and have always loved them. IMO sorts the suspension out without the need for eibach pro kits etc.
 
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