Subframe bushes - how common?

rjkc600 · Post by **rjkc600** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 7:46 pm

Chaps.

I just had my subframe bushes done, as after reading all about it i guessed my 60k car might have early stages.

Upon removal there was nothing wrong with them at all. All 4 were totally intact and came up as such.

Id already bought my own Powerflex bushes so i told my indy to fit them anyway after he called saying mine were ok.

I was a little gutted that my car feels no different, kind of wanted it to have knackered bushes so the new PF ones would have a nit cable improvement.

Has the whole subframe bush thing been exaggerated or am i just luck that mine were ok?

Ta.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:08 pm

Tbh it depends why you thought they were knackered. Also remember for every car that has had them go early there are another 100 that haven't.

AW8 · Post by **AW8** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:15 pm

I believe you may have acted a little early.

Preventative & early maintenance often a good thing but don't feel need to spend in advance.

My car has generally let me know in advance what has been needed albeit a little more notice re the water pump would have been nice ::)

I have heard of but not seen worn bushes circa 60k - mine were done @ circa 90k iirc.

All depends on individual car but 80-90k seems realistic to expect a need to change.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:39 pm

A lot will also depend upon the useage in those 60k miles. As an example 60,000 motorway miles will have less wear on the suspension than the same on local roads because of less shock loading.

The track control arm bushes on the front of our E46 need doing at 55k, but that is because the suspension is absolutely rock hard - it's also broken 3 rear coil springs (BMW say that's common on that series in the Conv or Coupe) - and so the bushes take a pounding. As soon as we get some dry weather and I don't try crippling myself again, I'll give them a go.

The bushes on my E53 were absolutely fine at the same age & mileage, front and rear.

gobiman · Post by **gobiman** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:44 am

I had cart-like squeaking at about 50k. Indy had ordered in brushes in anticipation but turned out to be ball joints which were much cheaper - and full credit to the garage for honesty.

rjkc600 · Post by **rjkc600** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:04 pm

Yeah fair comments guys, i guess did mine partially 'for the sake of it' and those yellow bushes look nice

Im booked in for powerflerx bushes upfront next week, and new balljoints too. I have a history of renewing suspension on all my cars regardless of wear, an issue i have not found a therapist that can help with.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:48 pm

I think they call it OCD don"t they.....

). A bit like those of us obsessed with keeping our cars clean and spending days polishing them.... :-[........I'm just off to try out my DI Vessel.....again... :doctor:

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:28 pm

[quote="X5Sport"]
I think they call it OCD don"t they.....

). A bit like those of us obsessed with keeping our cars clean and spending days polishing them.... :-[........I'm just off to try out my DI Vessel.....again... :doctor:
[/quote]

I've already lost count of how many times I've used my DI so far.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:52 pm

My E46 has broken 3 rear and 2 front springs within 20k over 6 years, so you are not alone X5Sport, but mine is only a 1.9 Saloon

Upsetting was that the first front spring just collapsed whilst sat unused in the garage, the car was taken forward 6m, the spring replaced, back 6m, sat for a few weeks unused and the other front spring collapsed........ Go figure

As for the rears, I blame SWMBO as it always happens when she's driving.

I'm not sure if my E53 has the start of rear bush failure as on 2 occasions I thought I heard a clunk upon motorway kick-down. I will keep an ear on it for now and see what happens at the next MOT if I don't look at them before.

As for the DI, I have washed the car 3 times in the last two weeks using it as I have spent many many hours polishing and mildly correcting the paintwork. SWMBO thinks I'm mad, but having seen what claying removed, and then showing her a few pics she could see the difference.

It's a man thing I'm sure, I know a few of you understand?????

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