Time for new control arms?

[zhandax]

I am trying to decide if following the contours in the road is the result of deteriorating control arms or the Dunlop tires that came with the car. I do not have the other symptoms of bad control arms yet such as poor handling or a 55mph shimmy. Since it rolled past 129k Friday, I guess the mileage is right for replacement.

I see that a lot of you replaced the springs along with the control arms. Is this because they actually go bad, or is it an upgrage?

[ajt3nc]

My 89 had 225/65/15 dunlops which were worn, no bad, but was scary on certain roads.
I replaced the thrust arms which helped but new tires really made a difference. You may be able to eyeball the bushing and look for rips as you could see them on my old ones.

[zhandax]

These Dunlops looked almost new when I got the car, but the front end was out of alignment and the 1100 mile drive home cupped the tread a bit. The tires were rotated and reversed when I had it aligned.

I use 'control arms' to refer to both the control arms and the thrust arms. Am I correct in assuming that they both need to be replaced? If not, which one goes first? On the E28 I found it was cheaper to replace both at the same time instead of getting two alignments within 20k miles but those arms were about $50 each. Who has the best deal on these (Lemforders)? Also, I assume since I have seen no one post about this that the ball joints cannot be replaced in the arms? I have a 4lb hand sledge leftover from replacing the balljoints on the Mercedes.

[zhandax]

Any 540s with replacement springs? Upgrade or maintanence?

[Evan]

JohnTee and a few other people have replaced springs and shocks on their 540. I'm shopping for shocks and springs now, among other things. Someone will respond to you soon

[632 Regal]

springs are upgrade to lower the car, dont use BAW or Voghtland springs as the V8 will be too low.

Any 540s with replacement springs? Upgrade or maintanence?

[MBXB]

I'd start with the 'control arms' and the steering linkage. Changing both should tighten up your steering a lot. And don't forget the 'nut behind the wheel'.

[zhandax]

Do you recommend doing all 4 plus the tie rods at the same time?

[337090535auctionprice]

hey where is the nut behind the wheel what size is it use a ratchet for it

[joshua43214]

Do you recommend doing all 4 plus the tie rods at the same time?

Unless you have money to burn, I would recomend finding out what part is bad and replacing that.