Front suspension question
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alexbaby88
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
I've read all about the upgrade to the front lower control arm bushing using the E32 750iL bushing modified to fit. What about the stabilzer arms? Is there an upgrade to the bushing using OEM BMW parts? I just saw an email mailer from BMP selling a new pair of stabilizer arms together with urethane bushings. When would one have to replace the entire arm rather than just the bushings alone?
this is pretty common practice with BMW control arms it seems, especially with the older models...
typically people justs buy a new arm with the bushsings already installed, instead of just doing the bushings themselves... can't tell you why for sure, but have my suspicions.
as for the 750iL thrust arms... I have heard that they are either not necessary or don't fit for the E28s... don't remember where, but its a question I was going to have to ask as some point no doubt.
typically people justs buy a new arm with the bushsings already installed, instead of just doing the bushings themselves... can't tell you why for sure, but have my suspicions.
as for the 750iL thrust arms... I have heard that they are either not necessary or don't fit for the E28s... don't remember where, but its a question I was going to have to ask as some point no doubt.
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JamusMcFamus
- Posts: 739
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: North Augusta, SC
You could look into the urethane bushings, from either BavAuto, and I think Steve Haygood has some in stock now. I just installed some from Bavauto, and I'm very impressed! They're quite stiff, though. Be prepared to feel more bumps than usual. I highly recommend them, though. If you get them installed, be SURE that the shop you take it to has a press! Dont get jipped like I did and get charged for manual labor with a CHIZZEL!
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Steve Haygood
- Posts: 1943
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- Location: Thomaston Ga
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C.R. Krieger
- Posts: 14507
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- Location: Halfway up the left side of Lake Michigan
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[QUOTE="alexbaby88"]When would one have to replace the entire arm rather than just the bushings alone?[/QUOTE]
When you don't want to use a newer, stiffer bushing at the other end of an arm with an old ball joint. I find it a bit amazing that so many people replace the bushing that, when it fails, makes the front end rattly, clunky, shaky, but not really all that dangerous, while retaining an old ball joint that, if it fails, makes the car totally uncontrollable. ~0
In my book, if you're replacing a bushing on an old arm, it makes sense to replace the ball joint at the same time and, hey, you can buy them already assembled for about the same as it's going to cost you to buy the various parts and have someone assemble them, especially if you have to machine them to fit. When my UPS Guy leaves after delivering my control arms, I can be installing them within minutes.
When you don't want to use a newer, stiffer bushing at the other end of an arm with an old ball joint. I find it a bit amazing that so many people replace the bushing that, when it fails, makes the front end rattly, clunky, shaky, but not really all that dangerous, while retaining an old ball joint that, if it fails, makes the car totally uncontrollable. ~0
In my book, if you're replacing a bushing on an old arm, it makes sense to replace the ball joint at the same time and, hey, you can buy them already assembled for about the same as it's going to cost you to buy the various parts and have someone assemble them, especially if you have to machine them to fit. When my UPS Guy leaves after delivering my control arms, I can be installing them within minutes.