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Thread: Dogbone/Rear Pitman Arm Orientation

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Dogbone/Rear Pitman Arm Orientation

    Hi Guys,

    I have a new set of Lemforder Rear Pitman Arms. I know the curved section needs to be down, but I have seen images of peopel putting washers ABOVE the pitman arms between the trailing arm and pitmans. Some other details don't show a washer in here and the EKT doesn't either.

    So washers under the head of the bolts obviously, but any above the pitman arms?

    The Lems come with new bolts and to washers only.

    Above washer link

    David C Above washer also

    Johan no washers link
    Last edited by BMWTurbo; 10-30-2012 at 06:14 AM.
    Daily :- E32 2jzgte conversion
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  2. #2
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    I have it without washers like this on Johan's site
    http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/dogbones/pitman.htm
    and as the Lemfoerder set is complete with bolts, screws and washers, there are only the washers for the bolt heads, see here
    http://www.redlinemotive.com/replace.../pitmanarm.asp
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  3. #3
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    Thanks Errich, that was what I was planning on doing, just wanted someone to confirm. I'd be suprised it BMW got it wrong and bunged a washers in to 'fix' a height issue.

    I ordered LEM's this time around and as you say they come with bolts and 2-washers. My second pair of FCP pitmans have worn out in about 2-years also.

    On a side note I have a LEM idler arm also that I'll compare to the one on the car to check my draglink heights.

    Fitted them without washers between the dogbone and subframe/TA.

    LHS one wasn't too bad was loose, but not knocking, the RHS was sloppy and I could easily feel play in it when holding the centre and moving the outer.

    I also noticed that my Meyle HD subframe cans are looking a bit tired already. They were replaced in Feb this year!
    Last edited by BMWTurbo; 10-31-2012 at 07:14 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    Daily :- E32 2jzgte conversion
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  4. #4
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    Does it really matter if the curved side is facing down? I really didn't notice any difference when I installed mine, but I wasn't looking for one. I just thought they were symetrical. Maybe that's why mine creak on occasion????

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by m735is View Post
    Does it really matter if the curved side is facing down? I really didn't notice any difference when I installed mine, but I wasn't looking for one. I just thought they were symetrical. Maybe that's why mine creak on occasion????
    I would have said if they are creaking then they are crook, they should be lubricated and not creak at all.

    I haven't personally thrown a straight edge over them, but have read that they are slightly bent.
    Daily :- E32 2jzgte conversion
    Project :- E30 2jzgte conversion
    www.cardomain.com/id/BMWTurbo

  6. #6
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    Just got the same question on the German forum, which side up? Curved side or the flat side?
    Have discussed that years ago with my wrenching buddies and they are of the opinion it does not matter. But why did they make such a design if it does not matter? Someone knows for sure what comes up? Does it matter?
    Here again some pics of installations
    http://www.exx.se/maintenance/dogbones/index.shtml
    http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Mainte...PitmanArms.htm
    http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/51276
    http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/dogbones/pitman.htm
    also discussed here in the E34 forum, but no conclusion https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...cemtn-question
    Only one thing I know, ADD some more grease before you install new dogbones under the rubber caps, especially on cheapo dogbones. I added on all side grease after removing the rubber.
    Last edited by shogun; 01-25-2021 at 08:19 PM.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    some more links dog bone / pitman arm replacement, which might help

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp5fQrBZdkg
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Sb50vDRvtE

    without lift, use a jack to lift the trailing arm to adjust to the hole, for the upper nut use a flat wrench as shown
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
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    1994 740i
    Did this today I now realize why all the YouTube videos show the left side done because Jeesh the right was a pain at least for me .Had the hardest time getting the bolt to thread the many dollars I saved on labor was added to the swear jar tonight lol .

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