Control Arm Bushings don't Fit

[Melrose72]

Hi all, I have tried most of the suggested options to install the inner and outer bushings into the control arms of my 72. I have either torn them or they just won't go in. I gave up and took it to a local shop that works on classic euro cars. they gave up worried that they would just end up ripping the bushings apart. They think that these are the wrong bushings for my control arms

 

is it possible that these are the wrong parts? I ordered:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-suspension-control-arm-bushing-31122614100

and

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-suspension-control-arm-bushing-31122614100

 

the originals that I pushed out didnt have the <> at either end and just looked straight.

 

I also ordered them from Blunt and they were the same parts with the same results. I really can't spend 300+ each on control arms with bushings installed. I really just need to have a drivable car around town. no highway driving... 

 

 

[AceAndrew]

No, they are “correct”.
 

However, fitment issues have been thoroughly documented on here over the past couple of years, if you search you can find several similar threads.  I’ve had about a %10-%20 success rate among 8-10 pairs, solution was to use 2-piece urethane bushings which are easy to install and minimally affect NVH in those locations.

 

Youll find the typical response to use a threaded tool, but that doesn’t seem to make a difference in these recent (2-3 years) cases.

[tech71]

39 minutes ago, ChuckTown72 said:

is it possible that these are the wrong parts? I ordered:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-suspension-control-arm-bushing-31122614100

and

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-suspension-control-arm-bushing-31122614100

You show the same PN twice, The inner and outer bushings are different PNs:

Inners: 31122614100

Outers: 31122614103

They are not interchangeable, possibly a case of right part (inner bushing) in wrong (outer bushing) hole?

/public/assets/products/115307/large/31122614103.jpg?1496427130

BMW Control Arm Bushing - Genuine BMW 31122614103 | FCP Euro

WWW.FCPEURO.COM

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BMW Control Arm Bushing - Genuine BMW 31122614103

 

Edited August 15, 2023 by tech71

[DanJer Motorsports]

If you want to just use 2 piece bushings PowerFlex makes very nice polyurethane bushings. They will have far less nvh than Prothane or something like that. 

[Melrose72]

tech71

you are correct, I posted the wrong link. I have the 100 and the 103 bushings. my bad

 

and I showed the shop the diagram to save frustration. 

Edited August 15, 2023 by ChuckTown72

[tech71]

I recently installed new bushings into control arms with no issues at all but they were URO bushings not OE. OH THE HORROR!😁

At least they went in.

 Are you greasing them up with something before install?

I put a light  coat of  silicon grease  on bushing and bore in control arm.

Edited August 16, 2023 by tech71

[Melrose72]

they were greased and still no luck.

 

anyone have a link to 2 piece bushings that you have used?

[Tdh]

I just ran into this same issue on my daughters e30. I got em in, but it was a tight fit. Just for future reference, I typically use dawn dish soap and water, and find it to be a much better “lube” than grease on rubber bushings in general. 

[TobyB]

Heat.  Don't forget the heat.  Hot rubber is squooshier.

 

t

 

[Buckeye]

@ChuckTown72

 

Here is the procedure.

 

 

[d.hitchcock]

We opted for PowerFlex two-piece poly for the arms on my car. No regrets.

[NickVyse]

FYI I bought new pattern control arms as my bushes were shot and the arms had seen better days. The paint on these new arms isn't worthy of the name, and whilst the bushes passed visual inspection I noticed how much movement there is after just a few thousand kms. They'll be replaced soon. So persevere or use the 2 piece urathane.

[Melrose72]

16 hours ago, Buckeye said:

@ChuckTown72

 

Here is the procedure.

 

 

I tried that too. I had no luck. 

[Melrose72]

17 hours ago, tech71 said:

I recently installed new bushings into control arms with no issues at all but they were URO bushings not OE. OH THE HORROR!😁

At least they went in.

 Are you greasing them up with something before install?

I put a light  coat of  silicon grease  on bushing and bore in control arm.

I used dawn and they ripped. the shop used grease as well and had the same results!

[Tdh]

Ugh. Something’s not right here. Have you contacted the parts seller to make sure they sent you the right bushings?

Two piece poly bushings will me much easier to deal with it you decide to go that route. I have the set Ireland Engineering sells on my car. Bluntech also sells a kit. Any number of other manufacturers you can google also sell poly bushings for the 2002.