couple suspension rebuild questions

[Sovereign540]

I was able to snag a complete front and rear suspension rebuild kit for the car. Most of the control arms come with new locking nuts on the joint ends. The frame or bushing end didn't come with new locking nuts. How many of you guys are reusing the locking nuts on the car? The Bentley manual says to replace them.

Also, I noticed in the manual it talks about making sure the tie rods are at the same height from left to right when replacing the idler arm. I'll be replacing the center link, ties rods, and idler arm. Is the special tool required or is there another method for ensuring this is set correctly?

Thanks

[MotorMouth93]

I’ve reused the nuts with no issues.

As for the center link, take the old one out with the tie rods still installed then try to match the new link and tie rod adjustment as close as possible then go immediately get an alignment.

[StephenVA]

+1^

[Sovereign540]

I appreciate the responses. The tie rod adjustment the Bentley manual is referring to has to deal with height of the steering rod relative to the lower control arm from left to right not the toe adjustment. I've replaced many steering components in the past and have never had to worry about this. My guess is it's BMW being particular. Just wasn't sure it really mattered for a street car.

Thank you

[sienayr]

Blue thread lock has the same effect as lock nuts so you can apply that when re-using lock nuts.

[philly98540]

I appreciate the responses. The tie rod adjustment the Bentley manual is referring to has to deal with height of the steering rod relative to the lower control arm from left to right not the toe adjustment. I've replaced many steering components in the past and have never had to worry about this. My guess is it's BMW being particular. Just wasn't sure it really mattered for a street car.

Thank you

The height of the center link can be adjusted on the drivers side via the pitman arm. The arm can be moved up and down on the steering box output shaft by its clamp. When you put in the new center link, you adjust the pitman arm up/down to get the center link to be level. This sets both tie rod heights to be the same. I think this is what you are asking.