Rear bush questions

Tomk

Zorg Addict
Joined
Mar 8, 2023
Points
56
I have some question relating to the rear bushes on a 2.8 z3.

Mine are obviously knackered! So time to replace 😬 as the back end is all over the place and now getting the occasional knocking…

1. has anyone fitted pro - flex bushes? They’re all over eBay and they do full kits plus they are a lot cheaper than power flex. Or are they crap?

2. power flex has many size options for the anti roll bar, is there really that many different roll bars? How do you know which one, vernier?

3. Are there any companies that do a plug and play rear subframe? Ie purchase a re-furb rear sub frame in exchange for your old one? Z-shed maybe?

4. I don’t want the car off the road all year, roughly how long would a full rear bush swop take? Ie roughly how many weekends.

thanks in advance.
 

Grumps

Always happy, apart from when I'm not 🤬
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 27, 2014
Points
226
Location
Forest Town, Mansfield
Model of Z
Z4 e85 2.5i
Definitely a question for our bush expert @Lee . He frequently changes bushes for peeps on here.
 

Delk

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Oct 9, 2018
Points
125
Location
Hemsby Norfolk
Model of Z
Z3 3.0T
I managed to get a rear subframe and trailing arm at a good price. I rebuilt these as time permitted including new wheel bearings and hand brake parts. After that it was just a matter of dropping the old and putting in the new to me subframe. Items like the handbrake cables and wheel speed sensors will not come out without a fight.
 

shera25

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2025
Points
18
I’m no expert, but from what I’ve seen Pro-flex seem to be a bit mixed, some people are happy, some not so much. The ARB sizes do vary, so measuring yours is probably the safest bet. Refurbed subframes do come up now and then, worth a look. Time-wise I’d guess a couple of weekends if things go smoothly.
 

Lee

Zorg Expert (I)
British Zeds
M Power
#ZedShed
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Points
213
Location
Basingstoke
Model of Z
Z4 Coupe 3.0si
Pro flex are ok, depends which hardness you go with. Most common size rear roll bar is 15mm, best double check with a Vernier.

In terms over overhauling it all, we'll be opening up again come spring doing what we call quick n dirty, We drop the subframe and fit new bushes and you drive home the same day. Job takes around 4/5 hours.
 

AntStark

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 15, 2021
Points
143
Location
Hampshire
Model of Z
2002 3.0 Sport
Pro flex are ok, depends which hardness you go with. Most common size rear roll bar is 15mm, best double check with a Vernier.

In terms over overhauling it all, we'll be opening up again come spring doing what we call quick n dirty, We drop the subframe and fit new bushes and you drive home the same day. Job takes around 4/5 hours.
@Tomk ^ that is your best option by far. Bring biscuits, drink tea.. drive home happy. No brainer.
IMG_1902.jpeg
 

Tomk

Zorg Addict
Joined
Mar 8, 2023
Points
56
I managed to get a rear subframe and trailing arm at a good price. I rebuilt these as time permitted including new wheel bearings and hand brake parts. After that it was just a matter of dropping the old and putting in the new to me subframe. Items like the handbrake cables and wheel speed sensors will not come out without a fight.
Was thinking possibly along those lines 👍
 

Tomk

Zorg Addict
Joined
Mar 8, 2023
Points
56
Pro flex are ok, depends which hardness you go with. Most common size rear roll bar is 15mm, best double check with a Vernier.

In terms over overhauling it all, we'll be opening up again come spring doing what we call quick n dirty, We drop the subframe and fit new bushes and you drive home the same day. Job takes around 4/5 hours.
Thanks for the reply Lee.
 

Ade33

Zorg Addict
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 20, 2022
Points
59
Location
Stratford upon Avon
Model of Z
3.0 Sports Edition
Personally if you manage to book it in I'd get Lee to do it.. I have no regrets about him sorting mine out....Transformed my 3.0

...And I'm someone used to rolling around it the dirt under axle stands!
 

Tomk

Zorg Addict
Joined
Mar 8, 2023
Points
56
Personally if you manage to book it in I'd get Lee to do it.. I have no regrets about him sorting mine out....Transformed my 3.0

...And I'm someone used to rolling around it the dirt under axle stands!
Sounds like sound advice, thanks. 🙏
 
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