Originally Posted by
jaylebo
Oh man, I'm more confused than ever!
Please somebody explain this to me. Why does it matter which bushings are used? What parts in that vicinity tend to wear out, and which ones (if any) last forever?
My mechanic just told me on the phone that "the balljoints -- which hold the wheels on -- are completely shot and about to let go". That's all I know. I don't really understand what all goes on in that part of the car.
Like I said, I trust my mechanic. He will follow my instructions if I request specific parts, but I have to know what to tell him. And, it would be nice to explain my decisions if he asks me about them.
Can someone educate me a bit here and give be both a plan and an explanation to go along with it?
BTW, I did look at BMA as Dave suggested above, but found absolutely nothing in the "bushings and ball joints" section for the 535.
Oh, and to answer Scott's question, I don't know when the control arms were last replaced. Maybe never. Do they typically need replacing after xx miles?
My insurance agent has agreed to sit tight while the parts are on order. So ordering from BMA or some other place is an option, but I need to know exactly what to order, since this is all very foreign to me.
Many, many thanks guys.
He may be referring to the wheel hubs which could be around $200 each. If it was the upper/lower control arms you would probably be experiencing some typical 50-60mph shaking.
good luck-
Chip
'92 535i 5sp
EAT chip, Sachs kit, RRT sport control and upper thrust arms, SS brakelines, Camber plates, Subframe inserts, 3.64 Diff, M5 (3.6L) calipers.
'87 325iS