control arm bushings cracking

[///Manuel]

I think these would be covered under warranty though. Actually quite a bit is covered under warranty. Maybe it's good to get the warranty (or any other aftermarket warranty) and do the maintenance job yourself.

[bmwe53fan]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

Bushings don't leak jackass. And don't act like this after I gave you tons of support during your oil separator and main seal deal. Ungrateful bastard .

Actually, he is right. There is fluid in these bushings.

[rogerkiu]

bushing of the wishbone should not have any fluid or grease. but the joint (connect to wheel) may leak grease. if the joint is leaking grease, the whole wishbone should be replaced, it is very easy to DIY, just buy a special tool called ball joint puller to pull the joint off. if it is just the bushing crack or distorted, just ask garage to replace the bushing for you, it is very cheap job. just make sure what the problem it before you go ahead. the whole wishbone costs about US$500 at the factory, it is correct. but you may buy it from other dealer, it will be much cheaper, about $200 is ok. if just replace the bushing mount, it only costs about $50, i think.

[fatboyoz]

Originally Posted by bmwe53fan

Actually, he is right. There is fluid in these bushings.

Don't know if the X5 is the same, but my 1990 535 IS had what they called hydraulic bushes in the front suspension. They are knackered once the fluid leaks out of them. I had mine done twice over a period of 250,000km.
Just found this http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/BMW_docs/x5align.pdf
look at page 14. It's from the home page of X5 World, "General Info' and Guides #35" then select Alignment Procedures.
Colin.

[bmwe53fan]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

bushing of the wishbone should not have any fluid or grease. but the joint (connect to wheel) may leak grease.

No - the bushings have fluid in them, and I know the difference between a balljoint and a bushing.

[BimmerDude]

Thanks Bmwe53fan. Its so funny how this problem happened to me, I saw with my own eyes the this grayish greasy stuff that was leaking from my X. I took it to my dealer and they replaced the bushing. I even have the receipt of the service. R&R left and right front bushings. I don't know why some people just get so sensitive? I'm not a genius on cars but when things break down on my car, don't you think I would have the experience on knowing at least the stuff that broke and what it took to fix it? Thats all I'm saying.

[bmwe53fan]

Originally Posted by BimmerDude

Thanks Bmwe53fan. Its so funny how this problem happened to me, I saw with my own eyes the this grayish greasy stuff that was leaking from my X. I took it to my dealer and they replaced the bushing. I even have the receipt of the service. R&R left and right front bushings. I don't know why some people just get so sensitive? I'm not a genius on cars but when things break down on my car, don't you think I would have the experience on knowing at least the stuff that broke and what it took to fix it? Thats all I'm saying.

For whatever reason the internet seems to give people the freedom to assume all sorts of expertise, even when they've never actually done the procedure or actually seen the part they are talking about...

This particular topic is especially easy to be an "Expert" on -- who ever heard of a bushing that had fluid in it? The bushings on the e53 are the same in design as the e39 (prior generation 5 series) and once the fluid starts to leak all sorts of weird things will happen (vibration, clunkiing, etc...).

Not sure why you got jumped on so bad but remember it's the internet and a message board -- try not to take it so seriously...

[BimmerDude]

Thanks again, and no I'm for sure not taking this seriously.

[rogerkiu]

Ok, if you are sure that it is only the bushing problem, then you only need to replace the bushing mount. No need to replace the whole tension strut.

[///MB]

Hi, I noticed if you hit the brakes, the front wheels shudder at idle speeds. This has happened before and my SA said I need to replace the control arm bushings and quoted $650. I have 54K and bought the BMW extended warranty but says it's not covered because it's a wear item.

I checked my papers and saw that they were replaced at another dealer back in Jan 2006. Shouldn't they be covered within 2 years of the last replacement? Also, does it matter that it's a different dealer who is working on it now? Thanks.