Front Differential Bushing Replacement

[Grey 65]

Has anyone ever replaced the rubber front differential bushing without removing the "sub frame"? I've read on the BMW forums where it can be and has been done with the "sub frame" still on the car using a bushing removal tool such as the Kock Tools KT20297, but I am not sure there is the clearance needed on the Backdraft....

I want to replace the rubber bushing with a poly one as my car seems to eat the bolt that goes though it and the fix on the BMW forums seems to be swapping out the rubber bushing to a poly one...

Thanks,
Kevin.....

[Mark Brye]

I put a Derlin bushing in mine. The subframe can remain in place but you have to drop the diff. At least that's how I did it. I also had to remove gas tank to get to the rear diff ear bolts. As I remember, I had to drill out the bushing because a bigger bolt was used compared to a factory E36. I think it was 14mm vs 12mm.

[Grey 65]

Thanks Mark..... Did you use a tool to put the new bushing in? If so what type of tool?

Thanks,
Kevin.....

[Mark Brye]

I made a tool using a couple big sockets and threaded rod to make a sudo press.