Suspension Loading and Undercar Access

[kschachn]

I am just completing a major front suspension rebuild on my BMW including replacing the four control arms. These have bushings (two are hydraulic bushings) that must be torqued with the vehicle loaded. In fact you are supposed to have 150 pounds in each front seat, 150 pounds in the center rear seat, 45 pounds in the trunk, and a full tank of gas.

It is pretty much impossible to tighten the bolts with the vehicle flat on the ground and I don’t have a four wheel lift platform. What would happen if the vehicle had the front wheels up on my Rhino ramps? How would this affect the loaded position? Would it mess up the arrangement?

 

[Rand]

put it on 4 ramps.

a set is about 28$ at AAP with coupon.

drive it up on the front set

jack up the rear and lower onto ramps.

just dont try to drive it off if you dont have enough clearance.

Thats what I ended up doing for the diff/transmission drain and fill.
the drain plug is in the middle so if its on any angle at all the fluid goes to an end and you dont get the full amount out.

also the newer rhino ramps are much better than the older ones so you can upgrade.

 

[kschachn]

Well duh, that's a good idea. I didn't even think of that.

OK, off to buy a second set of ramps...

 

[mechtech2]

Or drive up on the front ramps only, and add weight up front [as far forward as possible - over the engine]
Certainly an easy and good option!

You only have to snug things so they are tight when loaded. final torque can be applied later.