Rear subframe bushings replacement "while you are in there" question.

[HJ1981]

Hey guys,

Doing a quick check on my E30 for winter, noticed that the outer trailing arm bushings have some cracks, main bushings look fine, it to be honest, only the "face" is visible.

I am calculating and considering replacing the rear trailing arm and subframe bushings, now i am putting together a list of "while you are in there" since everything will be out.

So far this is what i have:

Rear upper/Mid brake hoses (those pesky ones you can not reach due to the subframe).
Rear Differential mount bushing.
Rear Trailing Arm Bushings.
Rear Subframe Bushings.
Rear Sway Bar Bushings
Rear Sway Bar End Links.
Rear Handbrake shoes incl. all hardware (new springs, bolts etc).
Refresh the Axles/CV (just a clean, fresh boots and new grease).

I am sticking to factory OE/OEM bushings, no poly for me and the standard ones (non eccentric, keeping it simple). Anything else to consider doing to add to the list since everything will be removed? this would probably happen in mid December due to work so i do have time to plan this correctly/order parts.

Thank you in advanced.

[JungleGus]

That seems pretty comprehensive! I'm a big fan of rubber vs. poly bushes. Just keep in mind they are a bit harder to install than poly and will usually need a press (AFAIK anyway).

If it's like most other E30's maybe fix all the rust too =)

[DanThe]

Brake backing plates would probably need replacing if you haven't done it already, I always powdercoat them as the factory electro black is just not suitable to protect the steel.
Handbrake cables and wheel bearings, tbh id just get the complete arms stripped down, blasted and powdercoated along with the beam

[HJ1981]

That seems pretty comprehensive! I'm a big fan of rubber vs. poly bushes. Just keep in mind they are a bit harder to install than poly and will usually need a press (AFAIK anyway).

If it's like most other E30's maybe fix all the rust too =)

I forgot to mention, the rear wheel bearings have been replaced about 2 seasons ago. Yes, i watched lots of tutorials on how they are installed (and removed) thank you.

Brake backing plates would probably need replacing if you haven't done it already, I always powdercoat them as the factory electro black is just not suitable to protect the steel.
Handbrake cables and wheel bearings, tbh id just get the complete arms stripped down, blasted and powdercoated along with the beam

I am not a fan of shiney new parts installed, i am more of a fan, that likes to see a dry (oil free) chassis with lots of sand, dirt, leaves, dried mud etc. To me, i find beauty in a 30 year old + machine that is constantly being driven. I know powder coating gives protection and what have you, but in Germany that is very expensive, besides the underbody is coated once a year with cable grease (amazing protection in winter FYI) and the rear backing plates are just the same as the fronts, rusty but doing their job . But handbrake cables? do they lose tension? but one can adjust their tension no?

[paultv]

The original hand brake cables have steel fittings which rust to the tubes on the body which pass into the car - once rusted in they are an absolute bugger to remove - they also
get seized where they sit into the backplate. If you have the rear end out, beam and all, then replace both cables for new ones which have plastic ferrules - they never rot or get rusted in place.

seriously its a really good idea - and you may want to replace all the rear brake hard lines and splitter - it depends how bad they are and you often trash them trying to remove the flexibles anyway,
I did mine, the whole lot - it's all so easy with everyhting out and a pig and a half otherwise!!

Paul

[HJ1981]

The original hand brake cables have steel fittings which rust to the tubes on the body which pass into the car - once rusted in they are an absolute bugger to remove - they also
get seized where they sit into the backplate. If you have the rear end out, beam and all, then replace both cables for new ones which have plastic ferrules - they never rot or get rusted in place.

seriously its a really good idea - and you may want to replace all the rear brake hard lines and splitter - it depends how bad they are and you often trash them trying to remove the flexibles anyway,
I did mine, the whole lot - it's all so easy with everyhting out and a pig and a half otherwise!!

Paul

Thank you for the info and tips, more on the list then.