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E36General discussion and technical help for (E36) 1992-1999 3 series cars. 318, 323, 325, 328.
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Your Ride: bmw e36 316i 1997
control arm help
Hi,
I just replaced my left control arm on my e36, just to read somewhere that they should always be changed in pairs. Is this a must and what am I risking if not doing so? Since I bought a refurbished control arm (new ball joints), I won't be able to find the matching right control arm anyway...
Thanks for your answer.
Andy.
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
The ball joints are a weak design in the E36s, as well as the bushings. The reasons prompting you to change on side also pretty much exist with the other side. You now have supposedly one good side, one not so good. You could be inviting vibration, wheel hop while braking, difficulty in alignment, and substandard handling. Just as you wouldn't replace just one brake, don't replace just one control arm.
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Your Ride: bmw e36 316i 1997
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I wrecked my left control arm (twisted after hitting the curb), so it HAD to be replaced. The other one is just fine, no wear on it. Does that still mean that I HAVE to chage the other one too?
Thanks guys.
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
Oh, just a minor detail...
It's your call, but these ball joints generally have a lifespan of about 50,000 miles, from what I've read. Unless the right control arm is significantly under that mark, then I'd say you should replace it.
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Your Ride: BMW '94 E-34 525i
the only good thing here is that in an e-36, you can actually replace only the balljoints and bushings, in an e-34 you have to replace the whole arm, better to get it all fixed for peace of mind
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
Yes, that's true, it can be an advantage, but it can involve some tools and equipment and doing some wrestling in removing and then pressing in a new bushing, but it can be done. Oddly enough, a whole new control arm isn't all that expensive to replace when considering the cost of the individual items and the time and effort involved in doing the job.
11-16-2009, 07:22 PM
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