Lower Tensioner Arms = Lower Control Arms?

[rcasey]

Thanks Ard, your comments are appreciated.

In an effort to gain a better understanding of the parts typically replaced, the image below is cut from BMW's workshop manual for the E70.

Are we talking about replacing the silent blocks in item #4 (Tension strut) or item # 12 (lower control arm) or both?

I occasionally experience a slight judder at speeds between 60 and 35 mph, and unlike my past experiences with worn rotors and brake judder, I cannot consistently replicate the judder at present.

My vehicle is an 08, 3.0 SI with 54K miles and had new OEM rotors and EBC 'RedStuff' pads installed @ 48K. Rotors were checked for run-out upon installation, were recently measured with known quality digital gauges indicate TIR (total indicated run-out) <0.0005" and thickness variation measured in 8 places < 0.0002"

Up until reading this thread on bushing replacement, my suspicions have pointed to the after-market brake pads. Now I'm in a quandary.

The only other info I can add: if I sit with engine idling, stationary on dry pavement and very gently rotate the steering wheel 2-3 degrees CW and immediately reverse 2-3 degrees CCW, I sense a free "zone" or light steering pressure "zone" as if there is some play in the steering mechanism that must be taken up before the tyres are moved. Quickly oscillating the steering wheel a few degrees CW/CCW does NOT produce any sounds.

Upon driving, I do not sense any wandering while driving on smooth pavement, and steering outputs are precise and exactly to the degree expected.

Experienced observations would be appreciated

Ciao,
Dick

[Jarola]

Originally Posted by rcasey

Hello Jarola, what is the milage on your vehicle please?

It seems quite odd to this reader that BMW vehicles in the 50,000 - 60,000 mile range need replacements on silent block rubber bushing.

My 08 3.0 X5 is displaying some of the symptoms discussed here, and this thread certainly has caught my interest.

Ciao,
Dick

Mine had about 50,000 on it. I replaced them. And the rideimproved 100%. I did however rip my cv joint boot. Grease all over the place! 300 to replace. Win some, lose some.

J

[PAX5]

I replaced item #4 last week (complete arm with bushing), at about 69K miles on my '08 4.8i. About $400 in parts and $200 in labor to install.

Huge difference! Feels like new.

I have these used thrust arms available if anybody is interested.

[ard]

Originally Posted by Jarola

Mine had about 50,000 on it. I replaced them. And the rideimproved 100%. I did however rip my cv joint boot. Grease all over the place! 300 to replace. Win some, lose some.

J

$300 to replace the boot??!??!

Kudos for tackling the thrust arms- easy job, big results usually