Chasing that last little oil-leak

[garrett.fell]

If those bushings are oil-filled I bet that's where it's coming from. Confused the hell out of me as I couldn't find a source from above.

The bushings aren't shot-to-hell as far as I can tell, but I can grab the "arm" and twist it a bit side-to-side. I am guessing the bushing is supposed to have a little-play in it due to the molded "webbing" design I can see both in mine and in the new ones. I initially wondered if that webbing was actually cracking until I looked at what a new one looks like.

I do think a number of bushings/stuff in the front-end are up for replacement though. Not sure how many need to be addressed though. Maybe some - maybe all.

I can tell when I hit bumps that it doesn't sound nice and tight - this is something I am sure my wife is oblivious-to.




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[Ricky Bobby]

Those bushings are cracked I can see them in the pics. They are fluid-filled from the factory, replace the bushings or the arm with a solid rubber Meyle HD version, I prefer the arm as its easier than pressing.

The arm should be tight without much play at all or flex in the bushing when it is in good shape.

[garrett.fell]

Well then - I think mine are shot
to hell then. From recollection I can grab it and move it maybe an inch up and down in a twisty-motion.

So my options here are -

1. Buy entire-arm with bushing and ball-joint on the other end (from memory).

2. Try and piece-part it back together with minimally a new bushing - but likely a new ball joint as well. Just makes sense.

You need a press to R&R the bushing - which I don't have. Do the ball-joints tend to be unruly or can I pop em off with a pickle fork (I do have) or a harborfreight ball joint remover type tool (I don't have).

This particular joint doesn't impact the alignment geometry in the front end does it?

Sounds like I need to do a little reading and shopping/pricing research.


(See it pays to post high-res pictures)


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[dkl]

No re-alignment is needed after replacement. Make sure you tighten the arm with the car on the ground to prevent added stress placed on the bushings.

[Ricky Bobby]

What he said (torque bushing with wheels on ground)

Ball joint you need some BFH action and get a new one

[garrett.fell]

What do you think of the "Karlyn" brand kits? The price sure is nice....

BMW Control Arm Kit 6-Piece (X5) - Karlyn E53CAKIT | FCP Euro

[garrett.fell]

Originally Posted by garrett.fell

What do you think of the "Karlyn" brand kits? The price sure is nice....

BMW Control Arm Kit 6-Piece (X5) - Karlyn E53CAKIT | FCP Euro

......and I think I answer by own question. Some have suggested they are garbage. That's too bad.

[garrett.fell]

I examined then this evening. The play isn't so bad as I thought. Maybe 1/2 inch at most, but it does look like the bushing is distorted / off-center.

I'll read up on front end play diagnosis and give all components an evaluation


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[Jungerishere]

Originally Posted by garrett.fell

What do you think of the "Karlyn" brand kits? The price sure is nice....

BMW Control Arm Kit 6-Piece (X5) - Karlyn E53CAKIT | FCP Euro

Garbage. Spend the money on quality suspension parts. Or you would need to replace again and end up spending more money and time...

[ProfessorX5]

Oil filter housing gasket maybe?