Suspension and Diff Bushes -to replace or not to replace....

[elbirchos]

Hi Guys

Only 2 weeks ago I bought an '84 320i with FBMW history and 80k. Having got it on the ramps last weekend it's obvious it needs a new diff bush, but I couldn't see any obvious signs of ageing to any of the trailing arm/subframe/ARB bushes. The car rides and handles well and feels pretty tight.

First Q: - Can i change the diff bush without removing the diff back-plate? Is it easy to remove the bush from its housing or will I need some kind of press tool? Does anyone have any specific advise on this job?

Second Q: - Is it worth me touching any of the other bushes, based on the above? Although no obvious signs of them wearing, they are now 23 years old (not documented as replaced in the service history)

If it aint broke dont fix it?!

Thanks......

[tomtomiS]

hi dude, you will need to take the backplate off, and if you dont think the bushes have ever been replaced, tho i think they probably have as the bushes wont last that long, then u should change them as a matter of course. will make a big difference. and replace them with standard or uprated bmw parts not powerflex

[elbirchos]

Ok thanks

Would it be pretty obvious then do you reckon if they were the original (23 year old!) bushes? What's the best way of telling if they need replacing?

[fuzzy]

indeed if youve got the thing in bits its often a good idea to replace any suspect parts at the same time. ive just had my subframe out to replace the mounting bushes and whilst it was off i replaced the fuel tank,all copper brake and fuel pipes,s/steel flexi hoses and handbrake cables so it should never need to come apart again. i didnt do the trailing arm bushes though as they seemed fine on my 98000 mile car. i also did the arb bushes, drop links and prop centre bearing just in case. garage charged me £300 cash for labour to do it all as i supplied all the parts to them.

[Brianmoooore]

Trailing arm bushes will be original, and still as good as new.
Diff bush will probably be original, and probably still has life in it, but will have deteriorated from new.
The subframe bushes could just be original, but if they are, they must be approaching replacement time.

[tomtomiS]

that sounds like quite a fair price for the labour i think, the brake pipe is an arse to replace so im told

[snoops]

why shouldn't you use powerflex?