Wheel alignment after thrust arm bushing replacement?
 

I just replaced my thrust arm bushings (I torqued them to the specified 122 lb-ft, with the wheels on the ground, not while the car was still on jack stands). I've heard from some sources that a wheel alignment is required after this job, but I don't understand why. Is it really necessary? The thrust arm bushings are the only things I replaced; I didn't replace the upper control arm bushings, or any of the ball joints, as they are still in excellent shape, and the mechanic who did the PPI on the car recommended leaving them alone. Thanks.

RA Front axle + steering_ wheel_chassis alignment check must be carried out after...
 

This should help determine whether you need.

TIS: Front axle + steering_ wheel_chassis alignment check must be carried out after the following work

Im sorry i cannot help you with your question, but i hope you can help me with mine..:)

Which symptoms did you have before replacing the bushings.??

I have a knocking, clunking sound from the front left side when driving over small bumps in the road. I can feel the knocking slightly in my feets also...

I have not had a look at the car yet, and in fact im not sure what to look for...

Does these symptoms sound familliar to you.?

Thanks, that's very helpful. I didn't touch any of the parts that are indicated in the diagram, or in the verbiage, so it looks like an alignment isn't necessary, or at least not urgently needed.

Sorry, I didn't see your post. I'm afraid I may not be able to help you, either, because my car exhibited ZERO symptoms of any kind. The only reason I replaced the thrust arm bushings was because the mechanic who performed the pre-purchase inspeciton on the car told me they were cracked and leaking. He was right, they did have small cracks, but they were REALLY small, although the dealer records show that the dealership also recommended to the previous owner that they needed to be replaced. But my car has no clunks, groans, rattles, or noises or vibrations of any kind coming from the front end, or anywhere else. This car really seems to be a gem - the mechanic was amazed how few issues he found in the PPI, especially considering the X5's spotty reliability history. Good luck!

That sounds really nice..:) Im happy for you..:)

Thanks for the reply anyways..;)

Busted thrust arm bushings would cause a pronounced 'thunk' on the initial application of braking, especially if you tend to begin braking application quickly. You'll feel it less if you gently apply the brakes. Best way to describe it is that the front end seems to travel an inch forward when you hit the brakes. Annoying as hell and only gets worse over time.

Hi Meister..

I think maybe i was wrong about "feeling" the knocking through the floor panel..

It was probably just because when i hear the sound, i drive over bumps in the road.. The knocking is only there when driving slow.

I was under the car yesterday. And there is movement in the sway ar on the left side. It also makes the same knocking sound when moving it back and forth..

So im pretty sure i need to replace the sway bar...

Would you do both sides when at it.?

Honestly that's a good question. How does the other side look? My preference would be to do it, but check with Weasel for sure.

95% probability that the sway bar link is the problem. Yes, replace both since it's relatively painless.