How can you tell if the rear subframe bushes are stuffed ?

[e30newbie]

Hi guys,

How can you tell if the rear subframe bushes are stuffed ? One way to tell is uneven ride height correct ?

Cheers

[ImysE30]

Yes that is one way, also the rear end will be a bit more tail happy and if they are really shot, then you can hear a knocking noise when going over bumps in the road

[gareth]

they also often feel like you've got flat rear tyres when travelling at speed. wantering a lot from the rear.

[psychochild187]

or under heavy traffic light drags the rear will goe "bang,bang,bang,bang" where its got no rubber to cusion its vibration

or under heavy braking the back will sort of feel like the back is lifting and steping out to one side

if just one is gone then eneven ride height might be noticed. i guess but ive not had this yet

[Brianmoooore]

Jacking the body at the rear, then jacking on the beam will show them up (or finish them off, if they're nearly dead).

[gareth]

Jacking the body at the rear, then jacking on the beam will show them up (or finish them off, if they're nearly dead).

jacking off the beam, though all too common, is often the cause of them being dead too.

[Brianmoooore]

jacking off the beam, though all too common, is often the cause of them being dead too.

Shouldn't be a problem to good ones.

[gareth]

jacking off the beam, though all too common, is often the cause of them being dead too.

Shouldn't be a problem to good ones.

they're not designed for it though and when they're getting slightly ropey, it finishes them off a treat.

heard that rip, clunk noise before on breakers as they fail in spectacular fashion. quite amusing to be honest!

[ImysE30]

Whilst we are on the subject of subframe bushes, what's an average price to get them renewed?

[gareth]

i've had some done (on a E34 but must be a very similar job) by a local BMW specialist for under £100 inc supply of bushes.

[GrindCulture]

I had mine done last year, I supplied the parts and my local garage fitted them. All in all it cost me about £95.

[ImysE30]

Reckon mine need renewing too, doubt they pass MOT. Cheers for info

[Brianmoooore]

Even some MOT testers don't know how to check them!
I had an advisory on a twelve month old pair a few years back. The same bushes went through at least two subsequent MOT tests without comment!

[tomson]

i've had some done (on a E34 but must be a very similar job) by a local BMW specialist for under £100 inc supply of bushes.

Hell, that is good, genuine bushes are over £50 !

[ImysE30]

Even some MOT testers don't know how to check them!
I had an advisory on a twelve month old pair a few years back. The same bushes went through at least two subsequent MOT tests without comment!

I got an advisory on them last year, reckon he'll fail them this year

[gareth]

i've had some done (on a E34 but must be a very similar job) by a local BMW specialist for under £100 inc supply of bushes.

Hell, that is good, genuine bushes are over £50 !

they were febi/bilstein bushes from GSF but still a very good price. Ray at Leaders engineering in hastings is the man! Very quick so little labour costs involved