Lower contol arm failure rate?

[Russell]

How often do lower control arms fail/need replacement? Also how do you tell?

I sort of need to quickly know since I am planning to replace my upper thrust arms with lemforder arms and 750i bushings next week and I may do so myself and need to place an order to BMA first thing monday morning.

BTW, my 95 525i has aluminum lower control arms which have never been replaced. I understand that some 525is have steel. Even so, I understand they can be replaced with the steel arms on any model.

TIA

[winfred]

the lowers last a lot longer as most of the abuse is taken by the uppers, when you see/feel slop in the ball joint while shaking the wheel it's toast

[Speeder 553]

How often do lower control arms fail/need replacement? Also how do you tell?

I sort of need to quickly know since I am planning to replace my upper thrust arms next week and I may do so myself and need to place an order to BMA first thing monday morning.

BTW, my 95 525i has aluminum lower control arms which have never been replaced. I understand that some 525is have steel. Even so, I understand they can be replaced with the steel arms on any model.

TIA

It's a good idea to get the upgraded 750il ball joints.

[Jon K]

It's a good idea to get the upgraded 750il ball joints.


Bushings - not ball joints.

[Speeder 553]

Bushings - not ball joints.


Right, bushings. :)

[Russell]

That's the plan!

[winfred]

that's on the upper control arms, the lowers are fine as is and generally last twice to three times as long as the uppers


It's a good idea to get the upgraded 750il ball joints.