after market ball joints yes or no

[Isambard]

All done!

I got my mate who has an Engineering firm to swap them out. I was going to do it myself but I'd have to buy the press which would then collect dust for the next few years.. He had to turn up a few bushes to press the bushes and balljoint out so I'm glad I didn't go down the route of doing it myself as I don't have a lathe!

Not only am I glad I have replaced everything as it already looks and feels as it should, I'm also glad I did all this because I'm 99% sure I've found the cause of the noise I've had coming from the rear for a while.

I replaced the handbrake cables as I had to cut them in order to get them out of the wheel carriers. 13 years of salt, shite, and corrosion had prevented me from pulling them out of the carriers! I used WD40, oil penetrant, as well as rust inhibitor. Not a chance!

Anyhoo while I was setting the handbrake cables up and tried moving the disc to affirm the shoes were holding, the outer CV joint moved about 3-4mm but the axle stayed still. I tried the left side and it was perfect, no movement whatsoever. BINGO!

So, I'm pissed off that I have to get back under and change out the driveshaft, but I'm pleased I will have my motor back to it's proper running again-no slight drone from the rear right!

How are you getting on?

[Kristophe]

All I have left on my front end re build are the control arms and tie rod ends, which I have, just needing a free weekend to do it. I've previously changed the thrust arm bushings, ball joints, struts, strut mounts, and tie rod links. While my rear suspension seems OK I know with my mileage a rebuild should be on the to-do list. I'm thinking maybe a summer project.

The only "challenge" seemed to be the R&R of the rear ball joints. There is a fellow forum member that has offered his BMW tool for loan and I may inquire about that when the time comes.

I'm glad you've had success with your rear suspension rebuild. No doubt you can tell a big improvement on your X.