Lemforder suspension kit. How much to DIY?

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by 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

Even the best of trained techs have had days like that.

[semcoinc]

Thanks for being so kind bcredliner

Mike

[StephenVA]

You are not the first one to have this result. In many cases all the arm material comes out with the original BJ leaving an oval in the lower control arm. Leaving the only option of a new lower arm as well.

This is a well known issue on E39 applications as well as they share the same engineering design solution. Steel BJ in an aluminum arm. Oh well it beats a screw in one!

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

You are not the first one to have this result. In many cases all the arm material comes out with the original BJ leaving an oval in the lower control arm. Leaving the only option of a new lower arm as well.

This is a well known issue on E39 applications as well as they share the same engineering design solution. Steel BJ in an aluminum arm. Oh well it beats a screw in one!

Thanks StephanVA!

I feel much better that it wasn't just me being a mechanical dunce

After a decent run up the still under construction I35E from Lewisville to Denton, the new BJ is still in place in the replacement carrier.

Mike

[crystalworks]

Definitely thanks for posting your experience. More information about what can and does happen with repairs is always good for the community. Glad it's all sorted now and I bet the X5 feels great.

[semcoinc]

Thanks crystalworks!

Yes, it's a fantastic ride now!

Just can't wait to get the adjustable camber arms on and the rear camber set in spec.

Mike

[StephenVA]

That you learn by doing is always a good thing. Posting experiences is what the forum is about. Basic learning is: trial, error, trial and succeed. Never take away the fact we all are learning as we go through these vehicles' lives. As you discovered, some parts are just as hard to reinstall as they were to take off! Good learning for us all. Congrats on the ride quality.

"Some learn while others just whine and move on to shinier objects."

[semcoinc]

I got my Camber arms and will be installing them this weekend



The unit has a turnbuckle type arrangement at the end two nuts and the rod end also threads in and out so plenty of adjustment available.

My plan is to extract the existing arm and then set the adjustable arm as closely as possible in length, then use the turnbuckle adjustment in the end to make the final adjustments.

Will finally be able to dial in the rear camber on my E53

See here for sourcing https://xoutpost.com/1107900-post53.html


Mike

[tmv]

Interesting. How's the quality of the part?

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by tmv

Interesting. How's the quality of the part?

The camber arms appear to be very robust and the rod end ball joint also appears very stout.

The finishing is also very good, in my humble opinion and they are proud enough of them to put a quality nameplate on them.

Mike