night and day difference

[BlackSapphireZ]

na I didn't wax my car.

I changed out my Lower Control Arms and bushings yesterday along with a oil change and the difference is night and day.

I've never noticed the front end being rather loose and kinda unstable going into corners and stuff because it happened rather gradually but after I changed the arms and bushings, THEN I realized what I was experiencing wasn't normal. Turn in is lot more stable, steering is firmer, handles better, and no more loose front(when braking I used to feel it clunk lightly)

@ 98000miles, it was def overdue. I suggest you guys get this done soon and you'll feel like you've got a brand new car!

if doing DIY....Grab your self a Ratchet Wrench 21 and 16 in size, AS well as a SOCKET WRENCH 21, 19 and 16mm in size. some bolts are hard as hell to get to. ALSO get a tie-rod puller. rent from Advance for free.

I took a lil video showing how loose the bushings were

[O-cha]

Those aren't bushings they are ball joints. They were probably bad but being easily swiveling is not how you check. You check them on the car either by symptoms while driving or prying on the joint, if you are able to get lateral movement out of them then they are bad.

The non M ball joints are nylon, M ball joints are metal and don't really wear out but can seize.

The new ones are just stiff because they are new.


Nothing like a nice stiff front end though is there?

[vachss]

Is there some reason why you had to replace the control arms as well as the bushings? Do they come as a single unit preventing you from simply renewing the bushings or was there damage to the arms themselves?

Thanks for the DIY info.

[BlackSapphireZ]

the arms go into a BUSHING(the round metal part with two holes) that mounts to the frame. the ball joints themselves are part of the control arm so you have to get the arm too

[Spaceman Spiff]

Speaking of bushings, how often do you need to change them and how much does it cost?

[BlackSapphireZ]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

Speaking of bushings, how often do you need to change them and how much does it cost?

e46fanatics say its recommended every 50,000miles because it is rather weak. but if you replace it with more heavy duty ones sold by aftermarket manufactures, i'm sure it can last more than that. E46fanatics has all your answers since our Z4's are based off of E46 platform.

it cost me $200 shipped from ebay.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Hmm the same dealer that 'diagnosed" my top problem also told me to replace the bushings (2003, 28K miles). Now I am starting to doubt that whole diagnosis.

[BlackSapphireZ]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

Hmm the same dealer that 'diagnosed" my top problem also told me to replace the bushings (2003, 28K miles). Now I am starting to doubt that whole diagnosis.

More than likely they are just trying to get you to spend some money but it COULD be bad... who knows

[SHEEDI]

HEY BlackSapphireZ
I noticed my front tires were worn out from inside,my local shop mechanic told me it is because of missalignment and checked my car. he told me to replace lower control arm and bushings...my question is..should i also buy ball joints or they come with lower control arm?

Thanks