How do I reinstall idler arm bushings???

[murphykevin15]

I'm in the process of putting my suspension back together and have NO IDEA how I'm going to put those big blue idler arm bushing pieces through that tiny tube. I have a 1974 BMW 2002 and the part numbers are 10787015 and 32211115116  I've considered hammering them in but I'm afraid I'll break the blue plastic shell in the process.

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited May 18, 2017 by murphykevin15

['76mintgrün'02]

What year is your car and what are the part numbers of the bushings you have?

There are two styles of bushings for that application.

Hopefully you have the correct ones...

(I have not installed the ones I bought yet, so I am not of much help).

[murphykevin15]

The car is a '74 and the part numbers are 10787015-32211115116.

['76mintgrün'02]

well, according to autohaus az you have the correct bushings (Blunt sold me mine : )

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pn.aspx?sku=10787015-32211115116&vehicle=1974 BMW 2002 E10&brand=Genuine BMW&utm_source=google&utm_medium=nonpaid&utm_campaign=froogleSKU_BMW&gclid=CMvG05_i-dMCFQ5rfgodci0Hag

 

help is sure to follow... but if you get impatient, try the google search feature.  I seem to remember a similar problem recently, unfortunately I do not recall the trick/technique.

[stuff]

Any chance your car has a subframe from an early car that has a smaller diameter  idler arm tube?

 

This might help:

 

 

[AceAndrew]

Kevin,

 

  They are a PITA.  If the subframe is in the car, I'd recommend trying a big C-clamp or a rif of the bushing installation tool found mentioned often here on the FAQ and R3V (rod, washers, nuts).   If the subframe is out of the car, you can jerry-rig it in a press.  Took me three minutes that way.

 

 

 

 

Edited May 18, 2017 by AceAndrew

[Stevenc22]

Can you use the threaded rod and big washers method to wind the bushings into place? Similar to how we install subframe bushings with the frame in the car?

[TobyB]

And don't forget the lube!

 

t

 

[thinksound_mike]

I used a spring compressor. I pulled the top off the compressor and ran the long bolt through the hole and put the top back on. Lube the bushings and inside of the subframe with tons of liquid soap and start turning. It will slide in. Make sure you have the top of the bushing fully covered with a large washer or else the compressor claw will damage the bushing. Good luck!

[72ITB]

I removed the black insert and used a razor blade to add more taper to the edge of the blue plastic and then tapped them in with a plastic mallet. It did not look like they would fit but this worked.

[NYNick]

Been here done that with my 74 just a few months ago. 

Here's the secret: 

1) Dawn liquid, plenty of it, on both bushings

2) Dawn liquid applied by my finger inside the idler arm

3) 6 inch? 1/2" threaded bolt with nut and at least 2 washers, one on each end, maybe one bigger since these bushing ends are big.

4) Insert bolt through bushing, idler arm and second bushing.

5) Ratchet for the top of the bolt and wrench that fits the nut on the other end.

 

Line it all up and start ratcheting. StevenC22 had it right. Just go for it. It works,

 

Don't be light on the Dawn liquid!

 

Nick

[murphykevin15]

Worked like a charm everyone! Thanks for the help

[NYNick]

Good going.

Now clean up that subframe and reinforce the motor mount!

Did you get the control arm bushings out yet?  They're really fun!

[72ITB]

When I cleaned my sub frame it looked brand new, no VISIBLE  crack in motor mount. I thought I had gotten off easy but the words of the FAQ haunted me- "when it cracks not if it cracks", so I decided to reinforce it. When I ground the paint off to weld it up sure enough the was a little 5/8" hairline crack.

 

Glad I took the time to  do it now

[2002#3]

1974 tii...

 

New blue idler arm bushings are in, well seated, and in good order.  After insertion, the arm fits within the bushings well and moves freely.  After tightening the arm to ~60 ft lbs, the arm is virtually impossible to move by hand.  Seems as if the arm should be rather free-moving at this point.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks.

 

Larry