Ball joint issue E30

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Hey Guys,

Rookie post here. Recently bought an E30 and have been doing a lot of work to it. Im stuck on something and extensive searching hasn't given me any answers.

Im installing coilovers. I also replaced the LCA's, control arm bushings, Steering links and stabilizer links. One side went together fine, zero issues.

The second side I have an issue where the lower ball joint won't go into the steering knuckle far enough to tighten down. Basically what happened is that it went through enough to put a nut and tighten down, but then it stripped out. I was able to thread another nut onto it, but the ball joint just doesn't come through the knuckle far enough to get a good thread on it. Its almost as if the hole on the knuckle isn't large enough for the ball joint. I have the bolts on the LCA loose, so there is alot of movement for alignment of the joints....thats not the issue.

Any suggestions? Seriously wondering if this is a flaw on the size of the ball joint. The control arms are Lemforder, if that matters.

[roguetoaster]

So, you have good parts, but you might want to recheck if they are E30 parts. Next step would be to measure the ID of the knuckle and the OD of the ball joint.

Suspect it's not an issue, but was the angle advantageous to install the new ball joint, did you try putting a jack under the ball joint to almost press it in, if you have the tie rod attached of course?

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I checked the angle, and had the jack under it, but no difference.

Haven't measured the diameters. Ill try that tomorrow if I can find my calipers.

I seriously think this right arm might be the wrong one. Spent the past 45 minutes trying to find photos of Lemforder E30 arms in hopes of matching up the numbers stamped on the arms, but haven't come up with anything yet.

Tried Lemforders website too....its pretty terrible haha

[uturn]

Good practice is to compare new ones with old ones before installing.

[E30Bastard]

Use these part numbers when referencing aftermarket parts, shouldn't need photos:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=1113-USA-09-1987-E30-BMW-325i&diagId=31_0261

For example - FCP Euro shows Right Side (BMW 31121127726)

Lemforder control arm part number as: LEM-1052401 or simply 1052401 and Left Side Control Arm (BMW 31121127725)

Lemforder as LEM-1052301 or 1052301. These numbers should be stamped on your parts as well (hopefully!!).

Here's the links to the pics of the Lemforders too:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-control-arm-and-ball-joint-left-e30-31121127725l

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-control-arm-and-ball-joint-right-e30-31121127726l

Good Luck!

[E30Bastard]

Use these part numbers when referencing aftermarket parts, shouldn't need photos:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=1113-USA-09-1987-E30-BMW-325i&diagId=31_0261

For example - FCP Euro shows Right Side (BMW 31121127726)

Lemforder control arm part number as: LEM-1052401 or simply 1052401 and Left Side Control Arm (BMW 31121127725)

Lemforder as LEM-1052301 or 1052301. These numbers should be stamped on your parts as well (hopefully!!).

Here's the links to the pics of the Lemforders too:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-control-arm-and-ball-joint-left-e30-31121127725l

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-control-arm-and-ball-joint-right-e30-31121127726l

Good Luck!

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Thanks for the help guys, I got this sorted out. Turns out it was the correct arm but the ball joint was just a hair wider. Possibly a manufacturing issue? Either way I ended up getting another arm (same brand) and it worked out fine. I realized it after measuring the ball joint widths (stock vs the one that gave me an issue).

[mike.bmw]

That's unexpected. Usuallly Lemforder is top quality stuff. Glad you got it figured out.