checking Lower ball joints 96 320 160k miles
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e320
checking Lower ball joints 96 320 160k miles
Can anyone tell me how to check the lower ball joints. The tires are wearing evenly but I don't get the solid feel the the car used to have. Sometimes I feel a click though the steering column when moving the car. If bad I'm going to replace the the unit (control arm?) with the bushings and ball joints included. Has anyone done this repair? I'm handy with a wrench, do my own long block rebuilds on my past BMW's. Is there a link to this repair?
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 168
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2004 E55
the lower ball joints on the 210 are very easy to check if you can get the car on a lift. just grab the wheel at the bottom and push it up. youll see how bad the ball joints can really get with huge amounts of play in them. at 160k miles i can guarantee you need control arm bushigns and ball joints if they havent been done. ive done replacements of ball joints on 210's and 208's at 40k before. for whatever reason they just dont last. the ball joints replacement is very simple if you got an airhammer, the bushings replacement is a complete pain with or without the right tool kit.
even with the right tool kit that comes with a "center" punch type deal that you're suppose to use to hammer out the rear bushings doesnt work very well. all the ones i do at work require the use of a chisel and airhammer. pressing the bushings in requires the specific tool as well unless you want to damage the fluid filled bushing which will leak quite easily if damaged upon pressing in.
i havent checked (since ive never had to replace a control arm) but i believe even if you bought the control arm, the bushings do not come installed. you have to install them. the ball joints definitely would not come with it as its not a press in type, instead its just bolted to the wheel carrier. also note, bushing replacement will also require an alignment
even with the right tool kit that comes with a "center" punch type deal that you're suppose to use to hammer out the rear bushings doesnt work very well. all the ones i do at work require the use of a chisel and airhammer. pressing the bushings in requires the specific tool as well unless you want to damage the fluid filled bushing which will leak quite easily if damaged upon pressing in.
i havent checked (since ive never had to replace a control arm) but i believe even if you bought the control arm, the bushings do not come installed. you have to install them. the ball joints definitely would not come with it as its not a press in type, instead its just bolted to the wheel carrier. also note, bushing replacement will also require an alignment
Last edited by 210lvr; Dec 12, 2009 at 08:08 PM.
