Lemforder suspension kit. How much to DIY?

[semcoinc]

OK, so true confession time in hopes that this will help others doing the rear ball joint (BJ) bust out.

I discovered what was contributing to my crazy rear camber. The right rear BJ was the one I did first and try as I might (maybe first use of the specific BMW ball joint tool from an Xoutposter), that old BJ came out of the carrier offset. The new BJ went in the same way despite several attempts to correct the insertion angle. Upon final insertion of the new one a big chunk of carrier material appeared on the edge where the snap ring is placed. I did not think much of it at the time, however, I should have. Subsequently, despite the snap ring being in place the BJ slid out of the carrier

I disassembled the whole suspension again and pressed the Karlyn BJ back in, a clue was that very little pressure was required to reset it. And placed the snap ring in place again to no avail. The BJ slipped out again!

So, realizing that I had ruined the carrier on that side, I sourced a serviceable hub and carrier from ebay for $60 and purchased a new Meyle BJ and Lemforder integral link. Completed the swap of the carrier yesterday with AutoZone master BJ set which was just barely workable and I was careful not to drive the BJ in crooked. Because of the master set receiving cup interference on the carrier, it started to go in crooked, I adjusted the tool to provide opposing pressure on the higher side, which helped to drive it in straight.

Moral of the story is that driving your BJ in crooked risks ruining the carrier receiving diameter.

I'm still awaiting the adjustable camber arms which will allow for a more perfect tuning of the rear camber settings.

Confession is good for the soul and is also good for the community to keep others from falling into the same traps.

Mike