Checking E46 front control arm bushes
Discussion
Just lifted the car up to check the bushes and control arms as it's rattly up front - no knocking or shimmy on braking, but it's snatchy on uneven roads. Have replaced steering column universal joint.
When pushing the wheel forward and back (relative to the car) the control arm moves in the rear bush by about 3-5mm each side, I assume this is not normal?
As to the control arms themselves, how best to check for wear? The inner and outer bushes look in good condition and I can only move the arms up/down maybe 1mm relative to the king pins / hubs.
When pushing the wheel forward and back (relative to the car) the control arm moves in the rear bush by about 3-5mm each side, I assume this is not normal?
As to the control arms themselves, how best to check for wear? The inner and outer bushes look in good condition and I can only move the arms up/down maybe 1mm relative to the king pins / hubs.
Edited by john_p on Saturday 17th October 18:29
Sounds like you need to replace those rear bushes. Very, very common fault. The inner and outer "bushes" are balljoints so should rightly show no play otherwise a new arm is required. Replace those rear bushes with powerflex bushes, available on eBay and they will improve the steering no end, and last longer.
No, leave wheel on and you will get more leverage and feel and play easier. Pull wheel side to side with hands at 3 O'clock and 9 O'clock and then again top and bottom. You can then lever between the lower balljoint and the knuckle and here some play can be expected as the balljoint is rubber mounted.
Shake your fillings out? Spoken like a true novice who has never tried them. Take a look at any vendor selling them on eBay and read the feedback from purchasers. Methinks someones jumping on the anti non-OEM bandwagen.
8Tech.
Fantastic item, fast delivery, well packaged. Highly recommended.
POWERFLEX BMW E36 / E46 Pair of Front Lower Arm Bushes
Excellent, As Described, Fitted and work A1,
POWERFLEX BMW E36 / E46 Pair of Front Lower Arm Bushes
Big difference to E46 handling & originals commonly fail. Would recommend.
great product, just what i needed., quick delivery,
outstanding, really easy to fit, thank you a+
made car drive great again thanks
Quick delivery, easy to fit, cost me half the money of buying OEM. A+++
good service parts fitted perfect made a bid differance
Very prompt service, great product. Has transformed my E46! Thank you!
Etc, etc, etc.
Shake your fillings out? Spoken like a true novice who has never tried them. Take a look at any vendor selling them on eBay and read the feedback from purchasers. Methinks someones jumping on the anti non-OEM bandwagen.
8Tech.
Fantastic item, fast delivery, well packaged. Highly recommended.
POWERFLEX BMW E36 / E46 Pair of Front Lower Arm Bushes
Excellent, As Described, Fitted and work A1,
POWERFLEX BMW E36 / E46 Pair of Front Lower Arm Bushes
Big difference to E46 handling & originals commonly fail. Would recommend.
great product, just what i needed., quick delivery,
outstanding, really easy to fit, thank you a+
made car drive great again thanks
Quick delivery, easy to fit, cost me half the money of buying OEM. A+++
good service parts fitted perfect made a bid differance
Very prompt service, great product. Has transformed my E46! Thank you!
Etc, etc, etc.
Edited by 8Tech on Monday 19th October 17:50
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