Control Arm Replacing

[DarkWing6]

I know my front passenger control arm needs to be replaced and I was told I should just do both of them while I am at it, so I figure I will. I was just wondering if someone could give me a list of everything I need to replace while I'm in there to do both front control arms. Also, how long will this take me? I may have use of a lift to do it. If I don't get use of the lift can I do it on jackstands? Should I do both now? Anything you can tell me to help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Derek

[KenC]

Why does it need to be replaced? Did you hit a huge rock or something?

[James Crivellone]

Control arm bushings, Control Arms, new nuts for the control arms, a jack with jackstands (I just put the front up) lots of extensions, and I forget what the size of that center control arm nut is, but you need a wrench to get to it, at least on my car.


you also need to get the bushings pressed out of the carrier and pressed back in, I had NAPA do this.

[Nick325is]

I just did this on my car. Fortunately i had access to a lift. As said above replace the control arm, lower control arm bushing, and nuts. The middle ball joint is a PITA to get to, Use a this wrench to get to it. When you put the assembled lower control arm bushing on the control arm use warm soapy water to get it on. Also while you are at it you might as well replace the other side.


nick

[DarkWing6]

Why does it need to be replaced? Did you hit a huge rock or something?

I don't know how it happened. It was like that when I bought the car. The mechanic I had check it out says that the ball joint is shot.

[DarkWing6]

So do I need the mounting bracket? Also, what brand would be the best to get if I'm ordering from BMA?

[Beej '86 325es]

I'm gonna bring this thread back, because I'm about to gut my front suspension.

Did you guys have to remove the charcoal canister on the left side, or the exhaust manifolds on the right side, or anything else to get at that main nut on the control arm?

Did you use a normal open end wrench from underneath, or a socket with extensions?

Thanks!

[aaron_silva]

I used a wrench. I couldnt get to it from the top (M42) because the motor mount and various other objects. The nuts that were on there were 22mm and the new ones I got were 21mm. Just a heads up if that happens to you. It took maybe 10mins to remove the nut (one of them) from underneath with the open ended wrench. I could only turn it maybe 1/4th of a turn before I had to flip the wrench and readjust.

HTH

Aaron

[Charlie]

I'm gonna bring this thread back, because I'm about to gut my front suspension.

Did you guys have to remove the charcoal canister on the left side, or the exhaust manifolds on the right side, or anything else to get at that main nut on the control arm?

Did you use a normal open end wrench from underneath, or a socket with extensions?

Thanks!

Remove the heatshield on the passenger side, you'll have enough room to get at the nut. Pick up a 22mm stubby wrench and a longer 22mm for leverage on the first few turns.

-Charlie

[zandi]

Did any of you remove your exhaust to get to the nut? Seems like it has to be that way

[bimmer8604]

Did any of you remove your exhaust to get to the nut? Seems like it has to be that way

Nope dont need to remove the exhaust, just be patient cause you wont beable to turn your wrench very far.


kyle