4 months no problems, now theres a problem

[TwinTurboGTR]

Hey everyone!

So its been about 4 months since a had a problem with the X, not bad I guess Anyways now I have a front end bushing problem. The steering wheel isn't straight to keep it in a straight line and then hitting the brakes at 40MPH, the steering wheel and the entire X shakes like a bastard! AWESOME!

So had someone get in the X, drive forward and slam on the brakes, the front wheels move about 2" back within the well. DOUBLE AWESOME!

So lifted the X shook the wheel and the play is nuts. So I guess the control arms need to be replaced. I think I'm just going to buy the entire assembly instead of just pressing the bearing out and putting a new one in.

Oh and the kicker, Left side CV boot, TORN AGAIN. Lasted 2 years, awesome BMW part. So I guess its back to work. I hate doing the CV boot more than doing the Valley Pan Gasket.

Anyone have any suggestions on what else to replace. Let me know.

[civdiv99]

You can consider a complete replacement axle for about $70 plus shipping if you don't mind aftermarket.

I bought the complete tension strut assemblies; they were Beck/Arnley so probably available about anywhere I suppose. There's choices that're less expensive, and choices that're more expensive.

Since you asked about suggestions -the balljoints those tension struts attach to at the spindle are just 2 bolts and makes the replacement of both the arms and balljoints together pretty efficient time-wise. Unless the bolts holding those balljoints in are frozen/rusted/corroded. Well, I've heard that then it becomes an all day plane crash.

There are also a number of places that sell the complete "front end" in terms of the arms, bushings, balljoints, tie-rod ends, etc. in one kit. They run maybe $300 if you're so inclined to ponder that approach; I don't know if brand is discernible on those kits or not.

Now if SkidmarkX5 reads this, maybe he'll also comment on the polyurethane bushings he went with.

[DallasGV]

Damb! 2" of travel and you have to hold the steering wheel at an angle to go straight - not an ultimate driving experience. How many miles on the suspension parts?

I'm tackling the front suspension right now as well and my lifetime warranty cheapo ebay parts (not DP) should be here on Wed.

[TwinTurboGTR]

84K on the suspension, ~40K on the CV boot? Time to start making a list and start buying parts I guess. I love it.