I've seen a few folks removing the sub frame etc to replace the control arm bushes which seems a BIG job. I was thinking of this route, which you may know of? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7kQn82QB7U]MINI Cooper service on control arm bushing lca easy how to wishbone powerflex power flex - YouTube[/ame]
Sorry but a impact and a torch will never find its way near my car :nonod: More than likely, if your bushings are worn you should at the same time replace the ball joints, the steering rack bushings, the sway bar bushings, the tie rod ends......this is why you should just drop the subframe and do it all Oh, and while your there, good time to check the power steering lines that have a tendency to leak
That's a great video. I may have missed it... Do you know which shop should get the recognition for the video??
I watched this befor I did my bushings. The problem is I don't have a lift and there is no way I was going to lay on my back with a touch in my hand. I'm very accident pron. I dropped the sub fraim. It was not hard, just unbolt the power steering resevor bracket, lower ball joints and tie rod ends. After that it was 6 bolts. Then lower it with your jack. The good part about this was I was able to clean the power steering bump and put new clamps on the power steering hoses with out undoing anything. I ordered power flex bushings from Detrot Tuned, pre pressed. It went smooth. Except for a trip to the hospital for stitches. But even stopping for stitches I got it done in a afternoon.
You also have to put the car in service mode so you can remove the front bumper horns, and don't forget the steering rack bolt, and the sensor if you have zenons, and the inner fender liners, and, and, and..... Still, in a home shop with the car on jackstands and laying on the concrete, I agree that dropping the subframe is the easier way to do it. Also, if you don't have access to air and air tools, let alone an Oxy/acet torch this method will not work for you. Knowing my luck, even with all those tools I'd still wind up dropping the subframe. In the video the lower control arm came right out of the bushing too, I find most of them do not slip out easily, but rather want to fight you. I've had to rig up a puller or put them in a press to get them off at times.
I don't have a torch or impact driver so I normally drill out the rubber part then use a saz-all to cut the outer metal part in 2 places then knock the old bush out. Putting in the poly bush will be similar to the video. Rallying gets you used to crawling around under the car using jackstands in all weather conditions! LOL
Took me less than 2 hours to do both sides with new poly bushes and that's without the help of a monkey!