Quote:
Originally Posted by 1100russ
Newbie here. Been lurking for a bit since I picked up an 02 X5 from my boss for 500 bucks. 4.4 with 145k miles. Replaced the right front lower control arm (cheap from rockauto), a drivers door carrier (febi-bil from I can't remember where) and got a used seat controller because the steering wheel will not adjust (used,fleabay) but I have not installed that yet. Most of the info came from this forum except I purchased the cheap control arm before really digging in lol.
What I would like to know is where are you getting your poly suspension bushings from? I need to replace both thrust arm bushings and want to go poly after reading about the fluid filled oem type.
Also a question..... Like I said I replaced the right side control arm with a cheapy. It's been great for about a month. Had tires put on it Saturday. Drove it to work Monday and I hear a clunk pulling out of a parking space. Think it feels a little funky turning to the right but nothing extreme. I notice after the sun comes up that my front wheels are cambered out at the bottom. They were straight and true before the tire install/clunking sound. Also when driving home I get the dreaded wheel shake under braking that I thought I fixed with the control arm replacement. I will be checking both sides components tonight after work as well as the torque on the nuts/bolts attaching them but what would cause the wheels to tow out like that? I would understand if the lower control arm ball joints were bad but I know one is good. It might not last long but I'm sure it hasn't failed in less than 2k miles lol. I'm hoping I find out more tonight when I look at it but this has me scratching my head a little.
A little background, I've been wrenching on things since I was a kid. Used to be SAE certified (lapsed). First BMW was (is) an 02 330i (e46). Built a few Ford v8's with some hp. Now I road race an old bike (Honda 900f) that I built. I know my way around a set of tools but by no means know it all lol.
Thanks.
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At your mileage you're due for a full suspension refresh. I did mine at your mileage and what a difference. Don't forget to replace your ball joints. You'll need the special tool for the rear ball joints. The universal kits don't work. Go to FCP Euro for your parts. They have a lifetime warranty and as your parts wear out you can replace them for free.
I've put poly bushing on my X. I've bought both Powerflex and Strongflex. Powerflex is twice the price. If you go the Strogflex route get yourself a tube of silicone grease as the grease they supply isn't silicone. They are somewhat noisier than stock. Slightly harsher ride as well, but not a lot. Best part of poly bushings is they last and even if you manage to wear them out they have a lifetime warranty.