Break-in Period

[noelskii]

Is there a “break-in” period for replacement control arms? I replaced both lower control arms (2 on each side) and sway bar links.

[ard]

No

But did you do the final torque on the mounting bolts with the full weight of the car on the wheels???

[noelskii]

Originally Posted by ard

No

But did you do the final torque on the mounting bolts with the full weight of the car on the wheels???

I had an Indy do it. I didn’t see him torque. Just gunned his way out and in fml

[ard]

The bushes need to be final torqued on the ground, suspension compressed

If you torque them with the wheels hanging Dow, car up on the lift, then once laden the bushes will be under a full-weight twisting load. They will not be able to properly disperse impacts- becasue they are already twisted- AND will fail in a few months since each bump is over-torquing them.



There is a reason BMW publishes a procedure....although their instruction isn't so clear: "tighten in normal position". Translation: Lower car to ground, fully compress suspension, tighten.

[noelskii]

So I should get under the car and loOsen them and then torque tighten?

[ard]

Yes

Prolly can't 'get under'....jack up, place blocks, lower onto blocks. Now you can get under.

[noelskii]

Thanks!

I'll see if I can access all the bolts using a ramp