Control Arm Ball Joint Renewal - BMW Forum

Foley · 09-25-2004, 03:38 PM

Hi Guys,

I'm new on here.
Just brought a E30 320i to prep for racing next season. The outer control arm ball joint is shagged and needs replacing. Are these just pressed out or does the whole control arm need replacing? The repair manual I've got isn't that clear.

Also, I'm having trouble removing the front strut top bracket. The nut is recessed and I can't get a ring spanner in there and a socket is no good cos I can't hold the strut tight whilst loosening the nut.

Any ideas?

Thx

takaaco · 09-25-2004, 06:36 PM

i believe its just pressed out but its alot easyr to just get a whole new control arm

BMWJNKY · 09-26-2004, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by takaaco@Sep 25 2004, 03:36 PM
i believe its just pressed out but its alot easyr to just get a whole new control arm

[snapback]199024[/snapback]

Yeah, it is not worth the time and effort to press the old one out, just get new control arms.

Foley · 09-26-2004, 03:09 AM

Cool, cheers Guys.

M-technik-3 · 09-26-2004, 11:04 AM

In UK it might be as parts and taxes are expensive. Ask a local shop how much it will be for labor. VAT's 18%? I don't know how you UK'ers do it. Oh that's right free health care.

Foley · 09-26-2004, 01:39 PM

Thx for advice Guys.

Any idea of a stockist for the complete control arm?
Do they come with ball joints pre fitted?
And how much should I expect to pay?

And finally, how about the top strut removal? Any ideas?

Thx

Mike

BMWJNKY · 09-26-2004, 04:11 PM

The list price on control arms for an E30 is about $120USD but you can find them cheeper than that, and yes the new arms come with new balljoints already in them. What do you need to take the upper strut off for?

Foley · 09-27-2004, 03:14 AM

I'm changing the dampers and springs.

Thx for your help guys.

Bimmin'88 · 09-27-2004, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Foley@Sep 26 2004, 12:39 PM
Thx for advice Guys.

Any idea of a stockist for the complete control arm?
Do they come with ball joints pre fitted?
And how much should I expect to pay?

And finally, how about the top strut removal? Any ideas?

Thx

Mike

[snapback]199375[/snapback]

Try an impact...thats how i did mine.

Numark318i · 09-27-2004, 07:33 PM

i know its kinda late...but u gotta get a whole new arm..i had same thign happen to me. about 120...yea i know everyone already knows.