[S.Macias]

Some photos from last weekend with the BMW club

[S.Macias]

Now that everything is mostly done (except for the BMR differential bearings) I decided to test the setup down in Santa Maria with the Vapor Trail Vettes. With the setup I was able to place fifth overall with some impressive times and speed.

Video isn't my fastest or cleanest run but was one of the few times I was playing with the track addict app...

Need 300 treadwear tires or something more autocross focused. Now that I'm done for the year some maintenance work coming up in the next few weeks.

[S.Macias]

Finally got the BMR differential bushings installed. Was a pain to do but I needed a project anyways. Will add new diff fluid and install the belly pan from Griffin Motorsports. Then onto other projects…

[S.Macias]

Got the rear end put back together and the belly pan installed. Went ahead and flushed the differential fluid while I was at it.

I also figured that since the car’s in the air might as well do a quick coolant flush. Trying out the water wetter, doubt it will make a difference but who knows.

Just finished installing the Hawk HP+ brake pads and oem rotors. Just needing a flush with the Motul RBF-700.

Tomorrow: brake fluid flush and oil change. Then just finding the drive to do a transmission fluid and filter flush…

[S.Macias]

Finally all done with the maintenance stuff.

New oil, new differential fluid, new brake fluid, new transmission fluid, new coolant with some redline water wetter, new BMR differential bushings, new hawk hp+ pads with new rotors, belly pan installed and even swapped the pedals to red to match the red accents in the interior.

Just need to do some figure eights, bed the brakes, and see how she performs. Not sure if an alignment is needed but I’ll cross that bridge when i get there.

[S.Macias]

Got home the other day from a quick drive and noticed black grease under the car. Located the rip on the passenger side cv joint axle. Fast forward a week and new cv axles and wheel hub bearings arrived. Cv joints were a surprisingly easy install and it’s sort of scary how much stress is probably on those bolts. Figured since I was already halfway there I’d order new BMR rear knuckle bushings. Ordered all four. They’re not set to arrive until later this coming week but I figured I’d press out the old ones in the meantime.

During a press on the bushings I ended up splitting the knuckle. Not sure how but I’m glad I did it now and not while driving. For safety sake I ordered two new knuckles (passenger and driver). Those should be in around the same time as the BMR parts. Hoping to have the back end put together (yet again) by Halloween.

[bishopts]

does the new knuckle come with new bushings?

[S.Macias]

Originally Posted by bishopts

does the new knuckle come with new bushings?

It does according to rock auto but I’m popping them out for the BMR stuff. If it doesn’t I’d be pleasantly surprised

[bishopts]

Originally Posted by S.Macias

It does according to rock auto but I’m popping them out for the BMR stuff. If it doesn’t I’d be pleasantly surprised

What are you using to press them in?

[S.Macias]

Originally Posted by bishopts

What are you using to press them in?

I have a 12 ton press at home. Works great. No problem for the front control arm bushings. That’s why I was surprised that I got two bushings out the knuckle with no issue but the third one just cracked it. May drill them out beforehand to put less tension on pressing them out

[bishopts]

I find that a balljoint press works better for the smaller bushings. Also you probably broke because of lack of support on the receiving side if you used that flat plate. Use a press cup that has better contact area

[S.Macias]

Originally Posted by bishopts

I find that a balljoint press works better for the smaller bushings. Also you probably broke because of lack of support on the receiving side if you used that flat plate. Use a press cup that has better contact area

Ordered a balljoint press the other day that I plan on using. Also got a cup set as a back up. Covering my bases. Hopefully I can get everything done in the next week since I'm itching to drive.

[S.Macias]

Both new knuckles arrived. The ball bearing press I ordered made easy work of swapping bearings. Just need to do the inner lower control arm tomorrow. The new BMR bearings on the knuckle definitely made for a snug fit. Had to use a hammer on some areas to get everything in.

Saw another post that the Cadillac CTV Blackwing front knuckle allows for more negative camber while keeping the stock setup. Found some for cheap and ordered along with new front hub bearings. Once installed and with everything else done the car will practically be new (ish) again.

[S.Macias]

Spend the morning installing the last set of bushings. Ball joint press made this easy. Rear lower control arm inner bushing done.