sway bar links and tie rods - worn?

[dudecati]

Hi All - I'm getting ready to do my control arms and found a 9 piece Meyle kit at FCP Euro that also contains sway bar links and tie rods. While it looks like a good deal it's still more expensive than just doing the control arms and bushings. How can I tell if the sway bar links and tie rods need replacing too?

Thanks!

[vpilarrt]

If there's any looseness at the balls or if the rubber boots are split, replace them.

[F34R]

Pretty much that^ granted with most e30s the suspension is always shot.

[dudecati]

Yeah - the car has 185k on it and I doubt they've been changed. I'm thinking since I'll be in there anyway that I might as well just change them all out.

[jlevie]

A 185k the car almost certainly needs control arms, bushings, upper strut bearings,sway bushings & end links(both ends), and tie rods & boots. As well as motor, transmission, & differential mounts, rear trailing arm bushings, subframe bushings, and shock mounts. Depending on the type and age it may need new shocks.

You don't have to do all of it at once. You can do one end of the car and then the other.