After reading a few threads on replacement of this joint, i decided to replace them as preventative maintenance along with my upper SLS mounts which were worn.
I didn't want to use the Bilstein bushing as it was said it slightly too small and the incorrect length.
I saw a couple of people mention the Prothane 19-907 was another seemly better option, so i ordered a set without checking the specs. Once the strut was removed it was clear these were no where near the correct dimensions - length too short, center hole and diameter too big.
I pressed out the joints using 36mm socket a 100mm+ bolt & nut, came out fairly easy in my case.
I was wondering how to proceed when i remembered someone mentioning their mechanic used BMW bushings but wouldn't share the part no :tosser1:
I happen to have a set of BMW Lemforder control arm bushings (31121124622) that had been lying around for years. Turns out they have the exact same length(52mm) and center hole(12mm) measurement as the original joints, but the diameter was way too large - 45mm instead of the 34-35mm needed to fit.I decided it was less effort to make them fit rather than finding something else.
I cut slots in the outer metal ring and used a gas torch to heat the metal slightly to help separate it from the rubber. I then used a grinder to reduce the rubber diameter to 34-35mm and sandpaper to smooth it out.
Using a lathe would be much easier,faster and less messy but i cbf'd going into town on this occasion.
Pressed it back in and done, nice and tight, what should of been used in the first place.
Hope this helps someone
Cheers
J
I didn't want to use the Bilstein bushing as it was said it slightly too small and the incorrect length.
I saw a couple of people mention the Prothane 19-907 was another seemly better option, so i ordered a set without checking the specs. Once the strut was removed it was clear these were no where near the correct dimensions - length too short, center hole and diameter too big.
I pressed out the joints using 36mm socket a 100mm+ bolt & nut, came out fairly easy in my case.
I was wondering how to proceed when i remembered someone mentioning their mechanic used BMW bushings but wouldn't share the part no :tosser1:
I happen to have a set of BMW Lemforder control arm bushings (31121124622) that had been lying around for years. Turns out they have the exact same length(52mm) and center hole(12mm) measurement as the original joints, but the diameter was way too large - 45mm instead of the 34-35mm needed to fit.I decided it was less effort to make them fit rather than finding something else.
I cut slots in the outer metal ring and used a gas torch to heat the metal slightly to help separate it from the rubber. I then used a grinder to reduce the rubber diameter to 34-35mm and sandpaper to smooth it out.
Using a lathe would be much easier,faster and less messy but i cbf'd going into town on this occasion.
Pressed it back in and done, nice and tight, what should of been used in the first place.
Hope this helps someone
Cheers
J
