Just replaced sway bars - with photos - Page 4

cowboynj · #1 03-10-2009, 12:16 PM

I've replaced the LF control arm and brakes and still it shakes like a crack addict in withdrawal. It happens at 50mph or so.

RPX5 · #2 03-10-2009, 12:23 PM

Could it be your calipers? I had a similar shake, violent between 45-65 mph, BMW replaced both front calipers and rotors under the CPO warranty. Service advisor said the front left caliper froze up.

X5girl · #3 03-10-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboynj

I've replaced the LF control arm and brakes and still it shakes like a crack addict in withdrawal. It happens at 50mph or so.

It's not the track control arms that need changing, it's the thrust arm bushes!

X5Girl, xxx

X5Bill · #4 10-03-2009, 11:38 PM

Hi guys, On the topic of sway bar links, I just bought a set from Max at OEMBimmerparts.com...I have not put them on, because while inspecting them and reading the forum, I discovered that all my other ball joints were dried out, or the rubber boots...anyway I took my trusty grease needle poked a hole in each one and shot some fair amounts of grease in them, now I have no more clunks, can't get it to clunk...before I could not hit the brake or a bump without the right side sounding like it was going to fall off...now I am not saying that the problem won't come back, but so far it is nice and quiet and I did not do the sway bar ball joints, since I have new ones to install..Stay tuned!

X5girl · #5 10-04-2009, 06:58 AM

Thats good news that re-greasing has temporarily cured the noise. I fully support you in doing this BUT the grease has just packed out the area that is worn, muffling the sound. You will still need to replace the offending joint at some stage soon. The ones that are fine will certainly appreciate the grease you have put in them.

BTW, there are now polyurethane bushes available for the inner lower track control arms now. Have not tried them yet but if I do get one fail, I will replace both with these. I am very happy with the poly thrust arm and subframe bushes, they have transformed the car.

X5Girl, xxx

Seabass · #6 10-05-2009, 12:42 PM

Is there any diagnostic check that can prove that my sway bar end links are toast?

My X definitely doesn't drive as smooth as it used to. I suspect the end-links but can I prove it before I buy replacements? I squeezed the rubber boots and they feel empty. If they contain any amount of grease, I'd expect that you could feel the grease inside. Can anyone confirm if new ones feel different than old ones?

butundo · #7 10-05-2009, 01:15 PM

No diagnostic check, except driving and listening for the clunks when hitting bumps. At $40 for a set, it is worth replacing them even if you are not sure that is the problem. If they are the originals, and the car is a few years old, it will be worth the chance. And yes, there should be grease inside the boot. Are the boots dry rotted or cracked?

X5Bill · #8 10-05-2009, 02:12 PM

The sway bar links are 2nd chepeast suspension repair you can do, second only to keeping grease in those boots. I am getting ready to grease the other end of the car now, because it has the same mileage as the front, just arrives later. I still have a little clunk in the front, so I am going to install the new links stay tuned.

Seabass · #9 10-17-2009, 10:24 PM

Just replaced the sway bars links. Since I pulled the Bentley Manual off the shelf, I'll post the Torque Spec for all future readers: 100Nm (74 ft-lb).

dzhoka · #10 10-26-2009, 12:32 AM

it's loook like your CV boot cracked too..and need to be replaced soon too..(or may be it's just a photo ..!)
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