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3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
I was thinking of replacing the tie rods while I was replacing the struts and shocks. I am getting a bad vibration in the steering wheel turning to the right at around 60 mph, thought it might be the tie rods? Looking up the part on Pelican Parts; Karlyn tie rod ends are $15.50 and Lemfoerder are $62.00, big difference in price. Any thoughts on why the big cost diff? Can the quality of one be that much better? Also, any need to replace the entire tie rod assembly rather than the ends only? Should note that my '95 is still a baby with only 98k miles. thanks!
my 740 has a bad vib at 55 and it is the tierods how you can check is jack up one side and try to jiggle the wheel/tire and see what part has the play in it but check both sides might be lower control arm....
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Last edited by AlpineSixAndSeven : 11-28-2007 at 04:22 PM.
I just did my complete suspension refresh and used Karlyn tie rods and control arms. I have had no problems but make sure if you are getting Karlyn it comes with heavy duty ball joints. Check all of your ball joints while you are in there. Every one of mine were like an Atari 2600 Joystick.
How can you tell if they are heavy duty ball joints? Is there a trick to checking the control arm ball joints, not sure how to do it? Thanks
Just order them with HD ball joints,and no I dont have tie rods on my site. The trick I used was to take them off and then try to move the ball joint itself by hand. If it moves like a video game joystick its very bad, if you can move it more than slightly it should probably be replaced and if they are firm and nearly impossible to move that stiffness will translate into your steering and suspension.
There may be a better way, but mine were getting replaced anyway so I did experiments with my old stuff.
you should replace the entire tie rod not just the end. They should cost around 50 apiece and make sure they come with new lockplates. You may also want to check out the ball joints on your control arms, as these can go bad too. You can get new arms with the ball joints already installed for like 100 apiece. Do you have big wheels or are they stock?
I thought only the ball joint on the tie rod could go bad? Why replace the whole thing? Stock wheels. I am looking for some 17inch wheels once I finish this project. What is the life span of the control arm ball joints?
I thought only the ball joint on the tie rod could go bad? Why replace the whole thing? Stock wheels. I am looking for some 17inch wheels once I finish this project. What is the life span of the control arm ball joints?
Only the ball joint can "go" bad, but tie rods can bend. The reason to replace the whole thing tells me you have never changed ball joints. It is just much easier to replace the whole thing especially when the difference is about 20 dollars. I know of a place and guy where you can get some 17"s. The lifespan of wear parts is variable based on other components in your car, the environment you drive in, and the type of driving you do. They are wear items, but they will usually let you know that something is not right.
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