2003 325I, I have a shimmy in the steering wheel at lower speeds and took it to the local tire shop, they told me that I should replace the Control Arms and bushings then have a front end alignment done. I had the air bag replaced at the BMW dealer and was told usually the Control Arms don't need to be replaced and the bushings are what is bad. I understand the alignment needing to be done after repairs but now question what the correct repair is. I am fairly certain the Control Arms are not bent so is it possible to just replace the bushings?
Thanks for any advice, Kerwin
You can replace just Tre bushings. However you should replace the control arms too. You don't need an alignment after replacing the control arms.
front control arms have a ball joint on the ends. you can get a control arm that has servicable ball joints but again you are replacing the arm. If you ball joints have play that is probably why they wana replace arms. the bushings will cause a shimmy as will worn out tires and ball joints. they are probably covering all the bases.
you should get an alingment any time a suspension component is changed, period.... this comes into play if you have had an alignment any time since the car was new till now. if it was aligned as the various components are wearing down or if it was aligned and a tech didnt catch something. then changing the part back to new condition will change things.
Level 1 Certified BMW tech.
Control arm ball joints wear out and eventually the control arm bushings wear out.
https://youtu.be/FK66QRhjsA4
I just installed my control arms and bushings. FCP has TRW arms for I believe $280 with Meyle HD bushings.
You will need an alignment.
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| 2002 330i 5-SPD - 101k | 2000 528iT - 146k |
My E46 Maintenance Thread http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1124584
just did mine this past weekend as tire wear was bad and tire shop said no alignment with such bad arms and bushings.
from 3 and 9 both wheels had play but drivers was far worse.
went with Meyle HD kit, everything already on them. it can be done diy, passenger side from underneath, drivers inner ball joint nut from under hood (take out airbox, etc. I used 3/8 extension etc, but 1/2 would have been much better. pipe on socket for leverage!). old joints were sloppy and clanky lol
drives smooth and clean, getting 1mpg better mileage too lol, I am going to monitor wear to see if alignment is out enough to warrant being done.
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