E46 330i Front Suspension Issues
Discussion
Guys,
Just spoken to a private seller of the above. I asked about advisory notes on the last MOT. he said theres an issue with a perished front suspension rubber and a worn ball joint. Also a pitted rear disc.
Anyone have any ideas on the cost of garage repair of these items? And how difficult are they to do DIY ? (given I've got a good workshop and do most mainteneace myself on my current cars).
He also said that the camshaft and crank sensors had been replaced due to an accleration problem - is this common?
Cheers.
Just spoken to a private seller of the above. I asked about advisory notes on the last MOT. he said theres an issue with a perished front suspension rubber and a worn ball joint. Also a pitted rear disc.
Anyone have any ideas on the cost of garage repair of these items? And how difficult are they to do DIY ? (given I've got a good workshop and do most mainteneace myself on my current cars).
He also said that the camshaft and crank sensors had been replaced due to an accleration problem - is this common?
Cheers.
OK, one at a time.
Cam and crank sensors are pretty common and could have both been done if the mechanic did not have proper diagnostics equipment to determine whether it was one or the other so played safe and did both.
Rear disc pitting is also pretty common but may well be easily within service limits, I would take a look yourself. New rear discs and pads are not expensive from the aftermarket and are an easy DIY job.
Perished front suspension bushes are HUGELY common and I recommend fitting the Powerflex urethane replacements as they are infinitely better and have a lifetime warranty.
Finally, the balljoint will require a replacement arm as the balljoint is a real PITA to remove and replacement arms are cheap and come with both balljoints anyway.
All the above is DIY work and the whole lot would take around 3 hours max and about £250 - £300 to buy.
8Tech.
Cam and crank sensors are pretty common and could have both been done if the mechanic did not have proper diagnostics equipment to determine whether it was one or the other so played safe and did both.
Rear disc pitting is also pretty common but may well be easily within service limits, I would take a look yourself. New rear discs and pads are not expensive from the aftermarket and are an easy DIY job.
Perished front suspension bushes are HUGELY common and I recommend fitting the Powerflex urethane replacements as they are infinitely better and have a lifetime warranty.
Finally, the balljoint will require a replacement arm as the balljoint is a real PITA to remove and replacement arms are cheap and come with both balljoints anyway.
All the above is DIY work and the whole lot would take around 3 hours max and about £250 - £300 to buy.
8Tech.
8Tech said:
OK, one at a time.
Cam and crank sensors are pretty common and could have both been done if the mechanic did not have proper diagnostics equipment to determine whether it was one or the other so played safe and did both.
Rear disc pitting is also pretty common but may well be easily within service limits, I would take a look yourself. New rear discs and pads are not expensive from the aftermarket and are an easy DIY job.
Perished front suspension bushes are HUGELY common and I recommend fitting the Powerflex urethane replacements as they are infinitely better and have a lifetime warranty.
Finally, the balljoint will require a replacement arm as the balljoint is a real PITA to remove and replacement arms are cheap and come with both balljoints anyway.
All the above is DIY work and the whole lot would take around 3 hours max and about £250 - £300 to buy.
8Tech.
That's brilliant, thank you very much. In your opinion would it be worth doing both sides of the suspension? I'm thinking if one goes, the other might be on its way out too?Cam and crank sensors are pretty common and could have both been done if the mechanic did not have proper diagnostics equipment to determine whether it was one or the other so played safe and did both.
Rear disc pitting is also pretty common but may well be easily within service limits, I would take a look yourself. New rear discs and pads are not expensive from the aftermarket and are an easy DIY job.
Perished front suspension bushes are HUGELY common and I recommend fitting the Powerflex urethane replacements as they are infinitely better and have a lifetime warranty.
Finally, the balljoint will require a replacement arm as the balljoint is a real PITA to remove and replacement arms are cheap and come with both balljoints anyway.
All the above is DIY work and the whole lot would take around 3 hours max and about £250 - £300 to buy.
8Tech.
dr_gn said:
That's brilliant, thank you very much. In your opinion would it be worth doing both sides of the suspension? I'm thinking if one goes, the other might be on its way out too?
Definitely do both sides. I recently did both mine and the rear fluid bushes as mine failed the MOT because of knackered lower ball joints. MattOz said:
dr_gn said:
That's brilliant, thank you very much. In your opinion would it be worth doing both sides of the suspension? I'm thinking if one goes, the other might be on its way out too?
Definitely do both sides. I recently did both mine and the rear fluid bushes as mine failed the MOT because of knackered lower ball joints. Definately do bushes as pairs, you can only buy them that way in any case I believe.
The rear fluid bushes are the rear bushes on the front trailing arm that are fluid filled as standard and are rubbish.
The rear subframe bushes are a major undertaking to replace as its a complete subframe out job to press them out.
The other bushes to replace will be the front outer bushes on the rear trailing arms, also available in urethane from Powerflex and MUCH easier to fit, especially by renting the tool off ebay to do it.
No real reason to replace front arms as a pair as the balljoints can fail at any time and because 1 has gone doesnt mean the other is on its way.
8Tech.
The rear fluid bushes are the rear bushes on the front trailing arm that are fluid filled as standard and are rubbish.
The rear subframe bushes are a major undertaking to replace as its a complete subframe out job to press them out.
The other bushes to replace will be the front outer bushes on the rear trailing arms, also available in urethane from Powerflex and MUCH easier to fit, especially by renting the tool off ebay to do it.
No real reason to replace front arms as a pair as the balljoints can fail at any time and because 1 has gone doesnt mean the other is on its way.
8Tech.
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