Replacing the rear subframe bushings on an E30
Well. it was time to replace the subframe bushings on my eta. I could tell because I would often get a loud clunk when starting off, and when cornering hard I could feel the rear wheels change position. This would cause the back end to swing out. I decided to take the long route (remove the entire subframe) since I had some other work to do and I have a beater to drive so I could take as long as I wanted. Since the procedure was long, I've split it out to make it a little easier to follow each step.
One note, is that when I put everything back together, I found it would have been easier to remove the differential after the trailing arms. I was too lazy to go through and change the order on all the pages. Also when putting it back together, don't forget to bleed the brakes and torque the axle nut once the car is on the ground.
Loosen the drive axle nut
Remove the muffler
Remove the differential
Remove trailing arms
Remove subframe
Replace bushings
A few torque values
M10 Subframe bolts | 42 Nm (30 ft-lb) |
M12 Subframe bolts | 77 Nm (56 ft-lb) |
Shock to trailing arm | 72-87 Nm (52-63 ft-lb) |
Sway bar link to trailing arm | 22-24 Nm (16-17 ft-lb) |
Brake line unions | 10-15 Nm (7-11 ft-lb) |
Rear pad carrier to trailing arm | 60-67 Nm (44-49 ft-lb) |
Rear caliper to carrier | 30-35 Nm (22-25) |
Upper differential mounting bolts | 110-123 Nm (81-91 ft-lb) |
Rear differential mounting bolt | 80-87 Nm (59-64 ft-lb) |
Driveshaft to differential | 72 Nm (53 ft-lb) |
Output flange to drive axle | 58-63 Nm (42-46 ft-lb) |
Muffler bracket | 14 Nm (10 ft-lb) |
Front exhaust pipe to rear pipe | 22-24 Nm (16-17 ft-lb) |
Axle nut | 195-210 Nm (144-155 ft-lb) |
Lug nuts | 100 Nm (74 ft-lb) |
Parts list | |
2 Subframe mounts | 46.00 |
2 Subframe locking nuts |