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View Full Version : Play in front wheel, moves back and forth - new control arms?


synthply
03-08-2007, 06:30 PM
During tech inspection at my last autocross the guy noticed that my passenger side front wheel had some play in it-- meaning that he could grasp the top of the wheel, and wiggle it back and forth (IE towards and away from him). He said it might be a bad wheel bearing, but I'm thinking that it is the control arm. Anyone have any input(car had 86k on it at the time, most likely all original)? Thanks
synthply
03-08-2007, 07:57 PM
?
mrkbik
03-08-2007, 08:00 PM
Sounds like the CAB's. I had that exact same thing, replaced both control arms and bushings and now it's gone.
synthply
03-08-2007, 08:41 PM
Sounds like the CAB's. I had that exact same thing, replaced both control arms and bushings and now it's gone.

did you upgrade to the powerflex or use OEM? bimmerwold.com has a great deal going on right now that includes control arms and powerflex bushings for $209
mrkbik
03-08-2007, 08:48 PM
did you upgrade to the powerflex or use OEM? bimmerwold.com has a great deal going on right now that includes control arms and powerflex bushings for $209

I bought some oem control arms, but used centered M3 bushings. I would jump on that deal though.
cosmos schwarz
03-10-2007, 05:45 AM
lower ball joint is deadified, no need to change the full arm, though it might be the same price.
adamnur
03-10-2007, 05:57 AM
Yeah you can just change the ball joint, but it might be good to just change the whole arm. And usually when you do that, you should replace the bushing too.

I just got a full control arm with an upgraded full metal ball joint for $100(not rubber-bottom like OEM, so it won't ware as fast) and a bushing for $15 from bavauto, because there's some play in my driver's side...actually a lot.

But if that deal you listed is for both arms and bushings, then that's a good deal. Although you might want to look into getting the full metal ball joint ones.
hellrot325
03-10-2007, 08:21 AM
Yeah you can just change the ball joint, but it might be good to just change the whole arm. And usually when you do that, you should replace the bushing too.

I just got a full control arm with an upgraded full metal ball joint for $100(not rubber-bottom like OEM, so it won't ware as fast) and a bushing for $15 from bavauto, because there's some play in my driver's side...actually a lot.

But if that deal you listed is for both arms and bushings, then that's a good deal. Although you might want to look into getting the full metal ball joint ones. Can't swap the center balljoint. But if you autocross and have that high mileage, my guess is that you really to do it all:

LCA/LCAB
Tie Rods
Sway links F/R
Struts
Shocks
RTAB
Tranny Mounts