Good information. Thanks. One of the previous posts mention problems with the finish. Paint coming of the control arms themselves (suprised they didn't anodize them - they're aluminum) and rust developing on the hiem joints. Any others had these problems. I would like to add these to the car but will go with another manufacturer if these are not holding up.

Any help appreciated.
David

 

Yes, the paint does peel off and they do rust. I've had mine on for about two years and both have some rust, and the paint is peeling off the end of one of them.

 

I bought new control rod ends from Alta. Alta gave me a good deal and I cant complain about having to pay $20 each for them since I bought them used to begin with. I installed them this w/e. My lack of 18mm open end wrench was frustrating. Normal cheap tool sets skip from 17 to 19 mm.

Anyway, I was thinking about the Hsport but just couldn't afford them at this time.

I liberally soaked them with teflon lube. On install they made the car so quiet! Hopefully they will last a few years.

I examined the old rod ends and they seemed tight and unworn so it is puzzling why they were so creaky.

The finish of the center part of the control arms was just fine. They were only on my car about 2 years though and I live in SoCal.

 

I had both upper and lower control arms and adjustable endlinks installed on my R53, and clunking began pretty quickly. All from Alta. I had to pay for the 'new and improved' endlink heim joints, but still have the clunk after those were installed. I also have the Alta lower arms on my R50 with stock endlinks. That car now has developed the same clunk. I'm done with Alta. What do you guys suggest if I wanted to go through the hassle of replacing all of these Alta parts. Both of my MINI's are rattle-free except for the rear clunking.

 

I am running the TSW links (all 4) no noise and they are bullit proof. Heavier than some, but...
If you want the lightest go with Helix, Their end joints also have a rubber boot on the Heim.

 

That's good to know as I have a pair of TSW arms that I need to install to replace my clunking Alta ones Did you do the install yourself? If you did, thaere's any particular attention to have when installing them to avoid them making noise (maybe greasing them, or something like that)?

 

Do all of these use heim joints? And if so, what's preventing them from clunking like the Altas?

 

The Hsports and the TSW's don't have heim joints. The Hsports have poly bushings with grease zerks to grease them. The TSW's only have rubber bushings. Both will be quieter than the Altas. Go for a set of Hsports you'll be very happy

 

Can anyone who has installed either of the above control arms chime in and let us know if there is any clunking issue with them? Thanks.