control arm bushings?

ake53 · #1 03-21-2013, 03:17 PM

Has anyone experienced the worn bushings. I was told by a shop that
the reason why i feel the steering wheel shake when braking is because the control arm bushings are worn in the front.

any ideas?

Ricky Bobby · #2 03-21-2013, 03:21 PM

Tension strut/Thrust Arm bushings are shot.

You can replace the bushings with Meyle HD for about 35 apiece, or replace the whole arm for 110 apiece. If you can press the bushings in and out and have access to a press you can certainly reuse the arm.

I chose to replace the arm on mine when I did my recent suspension work, including replacing the ball joints for the thrust arm, and the wishbone control arms I did at the same time.

Your shop is correct in their diagnosis, shaking while braking.

ukrcan · #3 03-21-2013, 03:55 PM

sounds like it the bushings to me as well... a very common issue with bimmers... i have replaced them on both of my e46s in the past... they normally wear off at around 60K...will be doing front control bushings soon on my X5 too as soon as i can get it in the shop...
I have always just replaced the bushings and reused the arms though. Never had an issue...

X5SND · #4 03-21-2013, 04:17 PM

+1 to the info above.

I have the meyle HD's up front as well, unlike RB I reused the old arms. Either route is fine though!

bigrobtemp · #5 03-21-2013, 08:11 PM

Need control arms too. Have a nice clunk on right side. See arm listed all over the place. Alll kinds of prices. Anyone use ones the would recommend?

ake53 · #6 03-22-2013, 08:14 AM

so everyone is going with Myle brand and no one is telling me to go with the OEM brand?!
what about powerflex???

Ricky Bobby · #7 03-22-2013, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex77ae

so everyone is going with Myle brand and no one is telling me to go with the OEM brand?!
what about powerflex???

Meyle makes an HD version which is solid rubber as opposed to fluid filled like OE bushings. Many of the benefits of poly being solid rubber but not necessarily as harsh as poly (its cheaper than powerflex too)

bigrobtemp · #8 03-22-2013, 08:52 AM

Is the meyle a whole arm or just bushing? I have no access to a press. Thanks

romeokc10 · #9 03-24-2013, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex77ae

so everyone is going with Myle brand and no one is telling me to go with the OEM brand?!
what about powerflex???

I have PowerFlex thrust bushings, they are awesome, peace of mind knowing they will outlast the vehicle, and no they are not harsh.

xc17pilot · #10 04-15-2013, 05:15 PM

I used the link nebelix posted on 3/22/13 as the basis to change my '03 X5 3.0's (135k mi) upper control arms (aka tension strut) this weekend. I also did the ball joint and found that using an air hammer made all the difference in getting that part out of the swivel joint/wheel hub.

The air hammer was $45 at Lowes, Ingersol Rand, but really almost any brand should do. I used the three bits that came with the hammer and ran it at 90 psi, working from both forward and aft positions pushing the ball joint down/out of swivel joint. Be patient and it will come out, took about 15 mins per side after a 15 min soak with liquid wrench. Additionally jacked up under the rotor (picture) to support the strut and the rest of the suspension while placing pressure on ball joint. Final picture is new arm and ball joint installed. Overall about 4 hours work. Second side is always easier after learning from first side!