Full front end refresh control arms, balljoints etc

[4.8isX5]

Whats up guys, cars at 103.1k miles and i needed to do a front end refresh (have parts waiting for rear in box as well), i was already planning on doing it but i let the steering shake go to long and mainly was a really bad front passenger lower control arm, when i lifted the car up to check it was much worse then i thought so i got on it asap.

Parts replaced-

-Lower control arms
-Thrust arms with powerflex bushings
-Thrust arm balljoints (ones that the thrust arm connects to on the knuckle
-Stabilizer links

My front airstruts i already replaced with arnott units 20-25k ago so they are fresh, and the only thing i didnt touch is the inner tierods/outer tierods which are still good but i'll be replacing at a buddys house due to being able to get a free alignment while im down there. Im sure all the new parts have changed it some, but usually even if i mark the tierods after putting new ones the alignment is pretty off.

Video of how bad the front passenger was



Parts





Old balljoint out- dont attempt these unless you have air hammer and patience, they took a while



Powerflex thrust arm in



One side all tied up




Enjoy, any questions just ask.

E53s are actually very simple in design on front end compared to other model bimmers, with ample room to work in most spots. I use impact guns, air hammers, balljoint spreader, torch and pickle fork. Without these tools i wouldnt attempt the job at all just from experience of working on cars as a side job. The balljoints suck the most as they are awkward to get at because of the cv halfshafts in the way.

[525iT_Feen]

Did the same thing recently minus poly bushings and plus engine mounts and tie rod assemblies. Night and day difference in how the car drives for sure. I'm jealous of your brakes - that's definitely next on the list for me.

[Ricky Bobby]

Nice work Pat.

Good call on the Powerflex bushings for sure, glad to see you did the tie rods. Usually they aren't too bad, wear-wise, the problem is the adjusters get seized up like a mofo.

I had to replace mine at 72k because when I did all the other parts, the tie rods were seized and couldn't be adjusted for alignment. Meyle HD makes nice replacement tie rods which I installed.

[Deansbimmer]

How do you like the Powerflex thrust arm bushings? I'm thinking about those but don't really want a harsher ride....My M3 does that just fine.

[Ricky Bobby]

Dean I've heard the powerflex are nice and not too stiff, you aren't replacing the whole front end with poly so its not bad.

If you want an updated OE design, try the Protection Package bushings from BMW

BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L Suspension Control Arm - 31129069820 - Protection Package Front Control Arm Bushings - Pair - ES#49337

[Deansbimmer]

Ahha! I didn't know those existed. Great suggestion and much appreciated!!

[4.8isX5]

Its not bad, ontop of that im lowered so i will get more feedback from poly bushings anyways. Car feels amazing up front now but i did notice just a little more feedback then before on a strech of up and down constant bump type concrete highway strech. I cant speak much for that maybe its how it should have felt even with stock thrust arms cause remember everything was beat on mine.

[electricalserv x5]

Nice work Pat.............