GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Upper control arm rubbing, can they be adjusted?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    618

    Default Upper control arm rubbing, can they be adjusted?

    Hi All

    I was under the car the other day and noticed a shinny bit on the left upper control arm and when I turn full lock to the left i get a rubbing noise. I don't understand how this can happen because as far as I know the control arms are not adjustable in any way. The arms + bushes were replaced around 8 months ago and the car drives fine at all other times, before the arms were replaced I'm sure I had the same wheels on and there was no rubbing. The right side is fine and on full lock to the right there is no rubbing. Any ideas? Is this a sign of cheap arms / bushes?
    UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Liverpool UK
    Posts
    1,536

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by leicesterboy15 View Post
    Hi All

    I was under the car the other day and noticed a shinny bit on the left upper control arm and when I turn full lock to the left i get a rubbing noise. I don't understand how this can happen because as far as I know the control arms are not adjustable in any way. The arms + bushes were replaced around 8 months ago and the car drives fine at all other times, before the arms were replaced I'm sure I had the same wheels on and there was no rubbing. The right side is fine and on full lock to the right there is no rubbing. Any ideas? Is this a sign of cheap arms / bushes?
    Hey friend long time no speak... Is the tracking out by any chance? How are the tie rods doing?
    1995 XJR: 4.0L S/charged straight 6 Auto

    What... It's not broken??? I can still fix it

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    618

    Default

    Hi mate, work and home have been hectic so I haven't been able to log on for a while! I replaced the tie rods at the same time as the arms and I got the tracking done 3 times! First time the laser machine crashed the computer and the 2nd time I wasn't convinced by it so I got it done again. Do you think I should try it again? How are you getting on with your front end (so to speak)?
    UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Liverpool UK
    Posts
    1,536

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by leicesterboy15 View Post
    Hi mate, work and home have been hectic so I haven't been able to log on for a while! I replaced the tie rods at the same time as the arms and I got the tracking done 3 times! First time the laser machine crashed the computer and the 2nd time I wasn't convinced by it so I got it done again. Do you think I should try it again? How are you getting on with your front end (so to speak)?
    Really well thanks! Just done an update on the thread check out the pics! Got one side done but will prob take step by step pics for the other side and post a 'how-to' thread on shock replacement... Also got new upper arms with 750 bushes and new lower aluminium arms in too - can't wait to get it all done and test drive it!

    That tracking must be costing you a fortune! I can't think of any other reason for the rubbing, but hopefully someone a little wiser will chime in! How are the balljoints doing for the upper/lower arms? Is there any play on the wheel if you try to move it by hand when it's jacked up?
    1995 XJR: 4.0L S/charged straight 6 Auto

    What... It's not broken??? I can still fix it

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    4,894

    Default

    I would say one of your steering component got bent.

Similar Threads

  1. Upper Control Arm Bushing
    By Luftpost in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 09-18-2009, 05:45 AM
  2. M5 Upper Control Arm Bushies in 540?
    By Jehu in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 07-15-2007, 06:45 PM
  3. How-To for upper control arms?
    By sirius_GTO in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 10-16-2006, 01:55 PM
  4. Upper Control Arm/Thrust Arm
    By athflying79 in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 02-13-2006, 12:39 PM
  5. Upper Control Arm w/ M5 bush...
    By motuman in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-23-2005, 06:05 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •