Powerflex Thrust Bushes Have Finally Arrived!

[e34.535i.sport]

SO - they finally got here... I'm now dying to get them in!!! I've borrowed a press from work to get the old ones out (hopefully!) and the new ones are just push in.

Here's some pic's... Can anyone confirm this is the correct set up with the big washer on each side before I jump the gun?

http://img34.picoodle.com/data/img34/3/9/9/f_Image018m_33b532c.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/9/9/f_Image018m_33b532c.jpg&srv=img34)

http://img37.picoodle.com/data/img37/3/9/9/f_Image019m_0b547e7.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/9/9/f_Image019m_0b547e7.jpg&srv=img37)

http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33/3/9/9/f_Powerflexm_ca85bd0.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/9/9/f_Powerflexm_ca85bd0.jpg&srv=img33)

I'll try to document the switchover and do a write up incase anyone else is interested but it's pissing down at the mo! :p

[whiskychaser]

[I'll try to document the switchover and do a write up incase anyone else is interested but it's pissing down at the mo! :p
Possible solution?:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001151&productId=1500310239&langId=-1&engine=froogle&keyword=Gazebo

[e34.535i.sport]

Possible solution?:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001151&productId=1500310239&langId=-1&engine=froogle&keyword=Gazebo

OMG 9.99 - that's quality!!!! Nice one! :D

[e34.535i.sport]

Anyone got any tips for pressing out the bushes? I'm in the middle of it now and just nearly burst an eyeball so thought I'd post before going for round 2.

I assume they come out either way - not just one way???

[Tiger]

I don't see how that would fit the upper control arm bushing. I don't think you got the right one. It needs to look exactly like the factory unit in terms of steel sleeve that you press into the thrust arm.

To press out the bushing, you need several things... several steel plates. Two to support the thrust arm in place so the sleeves can slide out. One tube pipe that is the same width of the thrust arm bushing (old one will do) and then another plate on top of that tube so the press has somewhere to push down onto the bushing without tearing out the center core.

[Tiger]

Which one do you have in this list?

http://www.powerflex.co.uk/products.asp?cat=0003&catalog=0903

I went to all different sites and none of them has the thrust arm bushings.

[russiankid]

If you cannot press the old bushing out you can either drill out the rubber inside the bushing and get the metal sleeve that the bolt goes through out and hack saw through the metal sleeve to relieve the tension, or burn the rubber and do the same as I already mentioned.

[Barney Paull-Edwards]

Use the bush method,old engine oil diluted with diesel, pour over bush, allow to soak in,light up,have beer/coffee, hack out remains. Be a bit careful of heat tranfer to other end by immersing in water.

[Ferret]

I don't see how that would fit the upper control arm bushing. I don't think you got the right one. It needs to look exactly like the factory unit in terms of steel sleeve that you press into the thrust arm.

To press out the bushing, you need several things... several steel plates. Two to support the thrust arm in place so the sleeves can slide out. One tube pipe that is the same width of the thrust arm bushing (old one will do) and then another plate on top of that tube so the press has somewhere to push down onto the bushing without tearing out the center core.

Tiger, powerflex bushings are somewhat odd mate.

Instead of just going inside and being shaped like the normal bushing - they tend to engulf the whole fixture like they do with the rear subframe bushings:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe/DSC00041.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe/DSC00042.jpg

This way they dont need any major steelwork within the bushings themselves - they support from all angles.

535iSport - Yeah mate I think you've got those the correct way around! Washers go outboard - post us up a photo of when you put them into the arm to show everyone what they look like!

[Ferret]

Possible solution?:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001151&productId=1500310239&langId=-1&engine=froogle&keyword=Gazebo

If I ever meet you, I'm going to buy you a crate of beer! :D

[Tiger]

Mmm... so that slot is where the thrust arm itself seat themselves into? Interesting.

[Ferret]

Use the bush method,old engine oil diluted with diesel, pour over bush, allow to soak in,light up,have beer/coffee, hack out remains. Be a bit careful of heat tranfer to other end by immersing in water.

Just be careful burning up rubber :) it tends to make that nasty acid - hydroflouric or something? Get that on your skin and it tends to be amputation time...

[whiskychaser]

If I ever meet you, I'm going to buy you a crate of beer! :D

You are on. How about we start on the beer when John starts on the bushes and see who finishes first?:D
Edit: and a very good reminder about HF. That stuff eats your bones and doesnt know when to stop. Even Haynes has a warning about it

[e34.535i.sport]

Just caught up with the replies - I was getting worried for a while! :D

Managed to brake the massive press I borrowed from work - so resorted to the Jigsaw. Got the hole rubber part out leaving only the metal rim - it was getting dark and I was gtetting hungry!!

Got the remainder out today with a little help of a big metal vice in work and a large hammer! I've scored the arm a little but it'll survive.

I've been taking pictures along the way so will post a full review once it's done! Tonight I'll be putting the drivers side back on and removing the steering plate from the passenger side. Tomorrow I'll take it into work to get the bush out and then bang it back in with the powerflex bush tomorrow night! :D

Hey Ferret - It comes with some greasy stuff and it reckons you should lube the bush with it - which bits should I lube do you know or just everywhere? :D

[Tiger]

Lubing basic principle is just the part where it need to slide... try dishwashing soap rather than grease to get it in.

[Ferret]

Lubing basic principle is just the part where it need to slide... try dishwashing soap rather than grease to get it in.

You have to use the grease on these things as they squeak like buggery otherwise. And there's almost a pun in that sentance, alas.

Erm, I honestly dont know where it goes on this one - I would imagine the metal plates at each end need some and the core of the bushing needs some as well to stop it squeaking on the bolt as it moves around...

EDIT: Tiger, these should only need to be push fitted to be honest mate, there should be no major difficulty getting the powerflex bushings in or out.

[whiskychaser]

Hey Ferret - It comes with some greasy stuff and it reckons you should lube the bush with it - which bits should I lube do you know or just everywhere? :D
Dont know how these bushes work but I would have thought the lube is for the pin. If you put it on the bush outer it will move in the housing wont it?

[e34.535i.sport]

Dont know how these bushes work but I would have thought the lube is for the pin. If you put it on the bush outer it will move in the housing wont it?

Cheers Colin that's what I went with!!! It turned out to be copper grease when I opened the sachet thing - so I just put a tiny bit on the metal tube and bunged it in! I might not have put enough in but time will tell - if it needs more I can easily remove it and regrease! :D

[e34.535i.sport]

Here's the bush in the arm...

http://img27.picoodle.com/data/img27/3/9/10/f_Newbushinarm_0316c57.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/9/10/f_Newbushinarm_0316c57.jpg&srv=img27)

Here it is on the car:
http://img33.picoodle.com/data/img33/3/9/10/f_Newbushonvem_ade5b2a.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/9/10/f_Newbushonvem_ade5b2a.jpg&srv=img33)

http://img26.picoodle.com/data/img26/3/9/10/f_Newbushoncam_0459ccb.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/9/10/f_Newbushoncam_0459ccb.jpg&srv=img26)

I'm made up with it so far - took it on a short test drive with one side done and it felt so much better!!! It's also got rid of my long term CLUNK!!!! OH YEAH!!! :D

[whiskychaser]

Well that looks like a result!! Did you have a choice of colour or are they all that bright?:D

[Tiger]

Interesting... gosh! a super squeaking bushings! I see what you mean... grease it for these Powerflex. Is it that easy to press those in? I am looking at your subframe and I am wondering how long it took you to put that in... probably alot easier than the factory one that you got to freeze it to put it in.

[Tiger]

I would imagine you don't need to preload the thrust arm on these Powerflex? So how easy was it to slip those in? How much money for them?

[Ferret]

Interesting... gosh! a super squeaking bushings! I see what you mean... grease it for these Powerflex. Is it that easy to press those in? I am looking at your subframe and I am wondering how long it took you to put that in... probably alot easier than the factory one that you got to freeze it to put it in.

Yeah, they're push fit...

The subframe ones - after all the effort of getting the old mounts out - make you think something's gone wrong as you literally offer up half the bushing to each side and give it a firm whack with the palm of your hand and it pops in!

Most powerflex kit is supplied in two halves:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/Suspension/DSC00028.jpg

The thrust arm kit is about £40/$80 iirc!

[Ferret]

Well that looks like a result!! Did you have a choice of colour or are they all that bright?:D

Nice pictures above!

Yeah whiskychaser: they're all that bright unfortunately - I would prefer black myself so insurance doesnt have a spazz if I ever have an accident, but bah, can of spraypaint at some point will probably do!

[Tiger]

Ahh! I thought it was like one solid piece... a nightmare if it was. Looks like it is so easy with this kit.

[Jon K]

Looking to get these in the US - any links?

[Ferret]

Looking to get these in the US - any links?

According to their website, these guys sell them:

BIMMERWORLD
4085 PEPPERELL WAY
DUBLIN
VA 24084

tel: 540 639 9648
email: sales@powerflexusa.com
web: BIMMERWORLD

as well as:
INTERNATIONAL AUTO PARTS(ALFA SPECIALIST ONLY)
4351 Seminole Trail,
Charlottesville,
VA22911

email: mlee@autosportcatalog.com

[Ferret]

clicky clicky (http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=powerflex&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=807064235&Count2=724204659)

[e34.535i.sport]

Well that looks like a result!! Did you have a choice of colour or are they all that bright?:D

I requested the Illuminous purple - my favourite colour!!!! :D

[Tiger]

Cool!

[leicesterboy15]

Good job on these John! I'll be interested to see what you make of them after a couple of weeks. All the arms on mine were replaced last summer but the front end feels a bit loose again and I wouldn't mind putting a set of these in myself if you recommend them!

What did you use to get at the infamous bolt? Did you lower the sway bar?

[Tiger]

You should check the lower control arms and your steering rack. I just had the car aligned and the mechanic found bad lower control arm on passenger side. It is the clunk noise that I didn't get rid of.

[Ferret]

Yo John, I've just been informed mine have arrived at home ("What the hell's this heavy junk arriving through the post?")

All replacement front suspension bits are ordered, the gauntlet's down :P

If you're going to do a write up or owt like that I'll forward you some high res photos to play with as I do the job?

[e34.535i.sport]

Yo John, I've just been informed mine have arrived at home ("What the hell's this heavy junk arriving through the post?")

All replacement front suspension bits are ordered, the gauntlet's down :P

If you're going to do a write up or owt like that I'll forward you some high res photos to play with as I do the job?

I like it! That'll take some doing - getting the bushes out of the old arms is murder! I'm liking the ride at the moment though it feels sturdier up front, but it feels somehow like it transfers more road noise and gives more 'feedback' from the road throguh the wheel... Oh and it's got rid of my 60mph shimmy too! :D

Thanks on the photo - they might be useful as some of mine haven't turned out too great... Crappy camera phone :( Will prob make a start on the writeup tomorrow after the MOT! Wish me luck...

[e34.535i.sport]

Good job on these John! I'll be interested to see what you make of them after a couple of weeks. All the arms on mine were replaced last summer but the front end feels a bit loose again and I wouldn't mind putting a set of these in myself if you recommend them!

What did you use to get at the infamous bolt? Did you lower the sway bar?

No need - You can fit a 22mm spanner in on the nut end and get a 22mm socket in on the other end and get the breaky out. Not too bad at all. I had the steering plate off in half an hour easy! I'll see how they go for a bit and give my full thoughts once they've 'settled in'! :D

[Ferret]

I like it! That'll take some doing - getting the bushes out of the old arms is murder! I'm liking the ride at the moment though it feels sturdier up front, but it feels somehow like it transfers more road noise and gives more 'feedback' from the road throguh the wheel... Oh and it's got rid of my 60mph shimmy too! :D

Thanks on the photo - they might be useful as some of mine haven't turned out too great... Crappy camera phone :( Will prob make a start on the writeup tomorrow after the MOT! Wish me luck...

Mine's MOT expires the end of next month, which is why I'm doing this as well lol!

I've ordered new thrust arms minus the bushings for tomorrow haw haw, I'm cheating!

I'll have to put the rattle gun on charge this evo... it's time for an outing on the bottom of the shock towers.

Bastard euro car parts doesnt have lemfoerder ones though, so I'll have to change them again next year!

[e34.535i.sport]

Bastard euro car parts doesnt have lemfoerder ones though, so I'll have to change them again next year!

It's funny, they used to give me a fair bit of discount there... but since I complained about them getting the wrong shocks in for me 3 times (travelling from Liverpool each time!) every time I ring up for a part the listed price is "as low as they can go"... They've marked my card. :( Bastards.

[e34.535i.sport]

Thoughs so far...

Ok they've been in a while now, probably 2-3 weeks my memory's not that great these days! Since I've had them in this is what I've noticed:

1. The steering feels a lot firmer and there seems to be less play...

2. The car definitley has less roll in the corners which improved the feel for me...

3. My 90mph shimmy has gone! Boo Yeah! :D

Overall I'm really happy with them and I'm glad I bought them and went to the trouble of changing the bushes!

However, there are a couple of niggles I've encountered which may be unrelated and/or down to my error...

1. The bushes were fine at first but after a week or so they started to squeak/squelch over speedbumps - this may be because I didn't copper grease the outer side of the bush? I plan to do this in the near future. For now I sprayed them with some lubricating grease whihc has stopped the noise thankfully!

2. The new bushes sorted out my knocking noise I had when the wheel was turned left or right, but I ended up with a new noise ofver speed bumps with the wheel straight! I'm sure it's not related to the bushes so I can't blame them for that... I've come to the conclusion that it's related to the new shocks I put in recently... They're coming out when I get time/can be arsed to do it. :)

[Tiger]

Double check all your steering components. I just did my steering and one day... hit a giant pothole... something is broken again... I think it is the idler arm as I didn't change that.

[Ferret]

Double check all your steering components. I just did my steering and one day... hit a giant pothole... something is broken again... I think it is the idler arm as I didn't change that.

Yeah, I'm finding similar things, though I've got a tiny loose feeling in the centre now, it could be down to the nut by the clutch pedal or it could be due to that smashed top mount I've got up front

>.>
<.<

Overall I'm very happy with these too, though they tend to put a lot of the roughness from decent/hard tyres through to the steering wheel on the motorway. It's like driving very fine sandpaper instead of glass :D (If you see what I mean!)

[anonymous1]

1. The bushes were fine at first but after a week or so they started to squeak/squelch over speedbumps - this may be because I didn't copper grease the outer side of the bush? I plan to do this in the near future. For now I sprayed them with some lubricating grease whihc has stopped the noise thankfully! - Turn up the radio, this cures a whole host of noises! :D

2. The new bushes sorted out my knocking noise I had when the wheel was turned left or right, but I ended up with a new noise ofver speed bumps with the wheel straight! I'm sure it's not related to the bushes so I can't blame them for that... I've come to the conclusion that it's related to the new shocks I put in recently... They're coming out when I get time/can be arsed to do it. :) - Give me a shout if you want a hand getting it off.

[Kibokojoe]

How did the powerflex bushings work out in the subframe?

[Ferret]

How did the powerflex bushings work out in the subframe?

The subframe bushings are first rate:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe_old/DSC00041.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe_old/DSC00042.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe_old/DSC00043.jpg

And again they're push fit :)

However for the first time ever, I've just been having a lot of trouble with powerflex bushings... in the 8'er.

In the 8, and I imagine in the E32 V12, they're too close to the exhaust manifolds - and the following happens:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/b7067c43.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/e16f4d98.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/df65fa5e.jpg

We've spoken to powerflex directly and they are working on it, or will be once they've scraped all the melted polymer off their floors from the fire!

[Kibokojoe]

I have been looking and they run about $200 USD for both sides. Pretty steep

[Kibokojoe]

Not good

[BigKriss]

Was there much more noise vechile harshness with the powerflex subframe bushes installed over the normal items? They look really good, I like how there is no gap on the bottom of the bush and it hits the plate flush (unlike the oem version)


The subframe bushings are first rate:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe_old/DSC00041.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe_old/DSC00042.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/subframe_old/DSC00043.jpg

And again they're push fit :)

However for the first time ever, I've just been having a lot of trouble with powerflex bushings... in the 8'er.

In the 8, and I imagine in the E32 V12, they're too close to the exhaust manifolds - and the following happens:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/b7067c43.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/e16f4d98.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/Ferret101/df65fa5e.jpg

We've spoken to powerflex directly and they are working on it, or will be once they've scraped all the melted polymer off their floors from the fire!

[Ferret]

Was there much more noise vechile harshness with the powerflex subframe bushes installed over the normal items? They look really good, I like how there is no gap on the bottom of the bush and it hits the plate flush (unlike the oem version)

Nope, there was hardly any extra noise or harshness, the arse end of the car just felt so much more taught.