Front Lower Control Arms

[oldskewel]

LOL. So that's why full names, diagrams, and part numbers are always good to communicate with.

Now just wait until you need to find the torque values for reassembly. That is another place where you may see a table listing of values and part names, but you really need to be careful in making sure your understanding of the part name is what the book thinks as well.

BTW, I really like my old Lexus, whose manual skipped the confusion and had a suspension (or whatever) diagram with torque values on every fastener - no way to get that wrong.

Here's where an xoutpost member tried to build such a diagram, but you might want to double check the values, at least with common sense:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...que-specs.html

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Au Contraire Mon Ami, I posted the Realoem Diagram for a X5 E53 front suspension and the part in the diagram is identified as the "Tension Struts".



If you look at the "Tension Strut" that you bought from me, you will note that they did not come with ball joints. The ball joint remained with the spindle/upright. These balljoints can be replaced.

Don, only you are stuck on the tension strut being part of this thread. It was determined early on that the part in question in this thread is the wishbone control arm.




True the tension strut does not have a ball joint as part of it's assembly but the control arm/wishbone does and I don't think it's removable.

Everybody else is only talking about the sideways facing rear of the axle control arm with the integrated ball joint.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Everybody else is only talking about the sideways facing rear of the axle control arm with the integrated ball joint.

He's not the only one. Thought we were talking tension strut too. Sorry fellas.

I've always referred to that rearward one as the control arm. I've also seen it called a lower wishbone for some reason. Oldskewel is right, TIS is notorious for using different naming schemes when looking up torque values. When doing the E70 front suspension I had to make a diagram for myself to keep it all straight.

[andrewwynn]

It definitely doesn't help when the guys that sell them change their minds of what to call them.

Other than the lower/upper adding additional confusion, sticking to behind or forward of axle can eliminate any confusion as there are only two per side and only one in front one in back.

The one behind the axle is the wishbone/control arm and has an integral ball joint

The one forward of the axle is the tension strut aka radius arm and has a hole on the end near the wheel that attaches to the independent ball joint.

Hopefully that can help clear things up.

When wishbone fails you will usually get shopping cart wobble felt in the steering

When the tension strut fails you will feel a pronounced thud any time you hit the brakes as the front wheels will move up to 2 cm rearward.

Amazingly neither will usually cause steering/alignment/wear issues. I've driven 1000s of miles with each badly worn and no quick wear off tires or odd steering

[KalahariBX5]

this is the part we are discussing - hopefully, we can get clear on what it's called.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAr...ew?usp=sharing

[andrewwynn]

If as suspected it's play in the ball joint you have to replace the arm. I'm not aware of any way to replace the ball joint end.

[X5only]

As already pointed out, just get MeyleHD from FCPEuro and future replacements will be free as FCPEuro give lifetime replacement warranty. I would replace the entire arm as the bushing on the subframe end is probably gone or on the way out. You mentioned you're handy with tools - you can replace this right in your garage or driveway. I did the entire suspension overhaul of my X5 right in my garage, on my back and with no air tools. I'm not a mechanic (my profession is very different) and just took interest in auto DIY starting with simple things like an oil change. However, I'm always very careful and follow step by step instructions to the letter whenever practical (TIS, Bentley manual etc).

[KalahariBX5]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

LOL. So that's why full names, diagrams, and part numbers are always good to communicate with.

Now just wait until you need to find the torque values for reassembly. That is another place where you may see a table listing of values and part names, but you really need to be careful in making sure your understanding of the part name is what the book thinks as well.

BTW, I really like my old Lexus, whose manual skipped the confusion and had a suspension (or whatever) diagram with torque values on every fastener - no way to get that wrong.

Here's where an xoutpost member tried to build such a diagram, but you might want to double check the values, at least with common sense:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...que-specs.html

Thanks this should come in handy.

[X5only]

I used this tool and it worked wonders:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...958sch01a~sch/

I recall having a hard time with the version from Harbor Freight (wouldn't extend high enough and would slip when tightening the bolt) and had to return it.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Don, only you are stuck on the tension strut being part of this thread. It was determined early on that the part in question in this thread is the wishbone control arm.




True the tension strut does not have a ball joint as part of it's assembly but the control arm/wishbone does and I don't think it's removable.

Everybody else is only talking about the sideways facing rear of the axle control arm with the integrated ball joint.

Au Contraire Mon Ami

This is what the OP posted

Originally Posted by KalahariBX5

No I am talking about the front lower control ams.

The definitive word being "Front Control Arm".

The item you have listed No. 10 is at the REAR of the suspension.