Rear outer control-arm bush replacement

[daytonabitch]

Re-assembling my '95 M3 rear suspension after installing new rose-joint outer bushes on both upper and lower control arms, the manual says to put the car back down on its wheels to settle everything before final tightening. I can see the logic of that for rubber bushes, but is that really necessary for the rose joints? Especially as it looks to me like it would be nigh impossible to get any wrenches, let alone a torque wrench, onto the upper outer joints when the car is sitting on its wheels.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[NeilM]

I agree with your logic. Zeroing out preload on rubber bushings makes sense; spherical bushings, not so much.

Neil

[jayjaya29]

+1 on not having to torque those at ride height.

[NoLastName]

Not necessary for ball joints.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Yep. Only matters for rubber. No balljoint needs to be torqued at final ride height.

[daytonabitch]

So glad we all agree. Thanks to all.

[NeilM]

So glad we all agree.

Could be an internet first!

Neil

[nick325xit 5spd]

There is one thing that is worth noting: Inspect the balljoint boots afterwards and make sure that they aren’t twisted. I’ve never had that issue with these, but it’s good practice.

[daytonabitch]

There is one thing that is worth noting: Inspect the balljoint boots afterwards and make sure that they aren’t twisted. I’ve never had that issue with these, but it’s good practice.

Makes sense, thanks!