M Roadster Ball Joint Replacement (validation)

[yinzerinmass]

So, my new to me M roadster appeared to be on original control arms and bushings. As a little winter project I decided to address all the cracking/grease leaking parts. In researching the job I came across a-lot of info regarding the control arms not being able to replace the ball joints in the m roadster's control arms. I also found one that I hope others undertaking the job may have come across this post so I decided to give it a shot.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ement-with-E30

His DIY is all there,so that's not what this is. My post here is (hopefully) a little validation that it can be done, without too much hassle. If you are DIY, and have the tools you can save a few bucks while you are at it.

A couple things I learned along the way, My 12 ton HF press was about maxed out on this job, but it will get it done, the DIY recommends a 20. The second side was easier when I put some tension on the ball joint and sharply tapped the control arm (try to be careful on this part, the shop press with this much pressure really freaked me out, so stay out of the line of fire of anything that could go flying) I rented the 23pc ball joint/u joint press from autozone and used the cups and receivers in the kit with my shop press.

My control arms were original BMW, centered control arm bushings. One thing I noted was the original outer ball joint did not have the lower retainer that you see in some pictures. In all ways the Lemforder parts looked identical to what I removed so I felt confident in moving forward.
For your reference, my example is a 8/1999 production date.

My refresh included control arm ball joints, full tie rods, end links, and control arm bushing set, All parts Lemforder
Ball Joints PN: 31121126253, 31121126254
End links PN:31352227203
Tie Rods PN:32111139316, 32111139315
Bellows Clamps: 32111137102, 32131094100
Tie Rod Lock plate: 32111140464
Control Arm Bushing Kit: 31129069035


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Let me know what you think, I'm open to comments, questions, critiques. Just a guy here having fun with his car and enjoy doing what I can myself.

Dave

[bluptgm3]

One thing I noted was the original outer ball joint did not have the lower retainer that you see in some pictures.

The ‘strap’ you see on 31 12 1 140 398 is part of the rubber isolation mechanism in the outer ball joint of the non-“M” FLCA.


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[Hirsch990]

Did mine over the winter. Not to hard a job and everything went back together fine (which I assumed was a good sign!). I had it aligned and have put a couple hundred miles on since. So far it all seems good.

[JRowe]

Thanks for the validation of replacing only the balljoints. I'v got a 20 ton press. So, when I need to replace them, I know what direction I'll go.

[yinzerinmass]

Wow, I just took the car out for a ride, and its a night and day difference. It took out almost all of the rattles, this car definitely benefited from the refresh. In for a real alignment next.