I decided to do this project this weekend because, well, what else can you do during a hurricane? I'm glad I got the 20 ton HF press instead of the 12 ton, those ball joints were IN there. Anyway, I noticed there were a lot of write-ups on making special tools to put the FCAB's back onto the control arm. If you buy/use a press for the ball joints, use it to install the FCAB's also (into the "lollipop" and onto the control arms). Took 10 seconds, see the pics.
Wich ones are better, Lemforder or Meyle HD???
This is getting confusing, cause a few guys mentionned installing E30 M3 balljoints but, most others are only refering to them as E30.
Are the part number mentionned in this thread for an E30 M3 or regular E30?
Can the ball joints be replaced in the E30 M3 aluminum arms?
I'm trying to find outter Meyle HD for E30 on Ebay, because most suppliers mentionned here won't ship to Canada but, can't find them.
Anyone has experience with the Moog ones on Autohauz site? Cause I know I can get Moog localy.
Thanks.
Alex.
Last edited by Chuck Norris; 08-28-2011 at 12:17 AM.
I would not get Moog ball joints, as they have a high risk of early failure... Lemforder for balljoints!
I'm about to order
31 12 1 126 254 outers and
0133-1626314 inners, all Lemforder.
For some reason no one on this thread is mentioning control arm bushings, at
a glance mine look fine but my car has 160k. Isn't this a "while I'm there" type of thing or do these not really wear out. I don't really want to spend the extra $80 but I will...
All this info should be a sticky somewhere instead of pouring through and deciphering all these posts.
Just got this car 1998 cosmos sedan on black leather, it's pretty awesome. Sit's in the driveway with the granite 1992 535im, they look damn good together.
Got a minor 5 gear detent problem, hoping redline d4 might help a little. Just put in the zhp shifter and got some nice used oem M3 mats of ebay. Would love to put some ceramic pads on, can't take dirty wheels but the brakes are incredible. Stereo sucks(not HK), does this even have the door speakers, can't hear anything. What are my simple stereo upgrades? Airbag light on, mechanic says the seat belt buckles fail but I've read it can be many things. Crappy hanging exhaust shield sound like a common problem. Little guibo vibration, that will have to wait till I need a clutch I guess. Super clean for 160k, looks like 60k. I'll have to get a picture. Thanks everyone.
Joe
slc,ut
98' M3 sedan manual of course
92' 535im
84' 4000q
Thanks for the info. The pic shows 2 where I am ordering but quantity says one, I think you are right though. Did I get those other part numbers correct? I think I did but there was some conflicting numbers on a few posts.
31 12 1 126 254 outers and
0133-1626314 inners, is what I got.
But someone mentioned
31 12 1 126 253 too, but I can't find those anywhere.
I'm sure I need
31 12 1 126 254 for the outer.
The question is do I need
0133-1626314 inners(post 59) or
31 12 1 126 253(that doesn't seem to exist anymore) (post 57)inners.
31 12 1 126 254 and
0133-1626314 both come up when shopping partsgeek as fitting an 88' M3, but only -08/31/88
Thanks again.
Joe 98' M3 sedan
Last edited by bimurtud; 09-16-2011 at 05:08 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
I read through this whole thread and couldnt find the part number needed for a non-m e36 or are they the same as an m3? Or would it be better to upgrade to M3 control arms?
_Tuanathon
'96 BMW 328is - Sport Package - Boston GreenH&R/GC - Style 5s - HK TrafficPro
I don't believe they are the same. If they were the people with E36 M3s would not be pressing in E30 ball joints, they would be pressing in ball joints from an E36 328.
The FCABs are different, but interchangeable. The M versions have more rubber in them and are a nice upgrade.
John
'95 Hellrot M3 w/Dove
AA Euro HFM Stage II (w/21# Injectors & Software) W/Gen III Exhaust - URI Crank Pully - FDM w/3 Row M Coupe Rad - 3.23 LSD - Vogtland Club Spec/Koni SA - UUC Red w/Enforcers - TMS Shims/Rear Camber Bars w/QA1 inners/Sways - VMC F/TMS R End Links - X-Brace - Perf Ultimate/SS Brake Lines - GC Tower Mounts/RTAB Shims - ZKW's w/5000K Hid - Fog Delete - Alpine 9847/Pioneer TS-C130R Kevlar Components/Pioneer PRS-X340/Stealth Box's/Wired Zune 120GB - OE LTW CF Sills/Glove Box Plate - Staggered Black M-Spoke II's w/235/40 (front), 255/40 (Rear) Nitto NT05's - Rolled Fenders!
***Got a '95 M3? (actually pretty common on all years! Even happened to Racer Seth Thomas! ) Check Your LSD! http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=390209
And the weight you save vs. how much they cost is not worth it at all.
To someone else's question up above the Lemfoerder's are all metal as well. Only the e30 balljoints fit in the e36 m3 arms.
31 12 1 126 254
31 12 1 126 253
That's it, those are the part numbers. Order from autohausaz or call any bmw parts supplier and talk to him on the phone with those numbers.
Also Non-M control arms are different and use a larger outer ball joint.
ive ordered these ball joints but when they arrived they have no alignment notches<how can i check they are in correctly when i fit them?
j.
I think the inners have a notch that you point towards the outside of the car. The inner joint I believe can only pivot in a certain direction. The outer can pivot 360. I am not 100% sure of this.
There is a triangle cast on the non-notched ball joint for alignment
So not to really bump an old thread, but do they sell replacement rubbers for the dust cover on the ball joints? I need to replace my outer ball joint on my car, but the inner one seems ok, but the rubber dust seal is a bit torn. Should I just bite the bullet and replace both or try to find a replacement dust cover? Thanks
If I recall correctly, no. You can clean the boot, and apply some RTV. The point of the boot is to keep the ball joint clean.Originally Posted by PSURT
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
-Dr. Seuss
DIY BMW Tools. Charlie For President
Well I just ordered both from AutohausAZ. I've never used a press before, how hard is it? I've done motor mounts and brakes and other things like that before, so how does it rate on that scale? To be honest, it looks kinda easy.
Cheers for this, makes things easier to have it concisely put in one place
These are sold in pairs right? It says nothing on autohauz's description so I just wanted to make sure.
It does however say this under the description for the inner ball joints: "For models with Meyle HD replacement control arm only, cannot be used with stock control arm or other brand replacements. 2 per car."
Is this just to be ignored? Seems everyone here is having luck with the factory congtrol arms anyway??
Does anyone have a good DIY for pressing out the control arm ball joints? I'm mostly looking for technique as I'll have access to a shop press on Wednesday. I tried searching Youtube and couldn't find anything useful.
I haven't seen one. Just remember that the inners have an alignment groove. Also, if you are new at using a press, consider buying an extra inner and outer. You can easily sell it here for a few bucks less than you paid for it.
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