Rear Control Arm bushing vs. balljoint

[Moron95M3]

I've read you can use the ball joint from the rear upper control arm on the lower control arm instead of the bushing.

Is this correct? 2 vs. 3

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/m/b/278.png

[trahsub]

Correct, but I believe #2 and #3 are both ball joints, an improvement from the bushing in earlier E36 model cars. Switching to the ball joint is considered an upgrade. I will do this when I refresh my rear bushings.

[Moron95M3]

thanks!

[VonDeLinde]

i just sheered off the nut on mine because of my rear bushing was shot and making a terrible noise. anyone else done this before

[scooper]

#2 ball joint in the #3 location is supposed to be an upgrade but I'm not sure it is. I think my bushing and ball joint were original. #2 was pretty loose but #3 bushing was still tight. I just refreshed all the bushings in the rear and went with ball joints in location 2 and 3. Ball joints probably need to be replaced every 50k miles. When I get to 210k (at 156k now) I'll think about replacing #3 with an original bushing.

[NHbmw325I]

When I had my rear suspension apart I went with balljoints in the lower, and upper position. Hard to say if I can tell a difference, I replaced all of the other bushings with stiffer than factory.

[MasterKwan]

I think my bushing and ball joint were original. #2 was pretty loose but #3 bushing was still tight.

If you want a car that handles better, you want ball joints. If you just drive to work and the 7-11, it doesn't really matter. The problem with bushings is that under load, they flex and your alignment changes. That's why balljoints are better for handling. I'd expect bushings to be both quieter and longer lasting. That's why most cars use bushings in the suspension.

I drive on the track, I'd rather have balljoints I have to replace every 50K miles over squishy bushings that cause the car to act uncertain at the limit.


When I had my rear suspension apart I went with balljoints in the lower, and upper position. Hard to say if I can tell a difference, I replaced all of the other bushings with stiffer than factory.

Unless you track or autocross, I'm sure there isn't much difference.