Hi all,

Im attempting to replace my front control arm right now, and could not find anything on this topic besides 1st generation stuff. I would like to get some more specifics on the procedure, and I will take pictures and eventually do a write-up for all of NAM to have, but I will need your support.

From what it looks like, I will have to loosen the front subframe. Then loosen the bolts connecting the front control arm to the subframe. Does anyone know what it takes to deal with the inner ball joint? Will it come out with the control arm easily? or do I have to separate the ball joint from the control arm before I can get the arm out? Will I need a ball joint removal tool for this?




It looks like I can simply unbolts that nut, and pull it loose, but does anyone know if it is that easy? I imagine after that is loose, then I can use a prybar to pull out the control arm from the mounted rubber bushing, and then separate the outer ball joint from the arm. Any help is appreciated in this!

 

ok, so here's an update. I removed that retaining nut for the control arm balljoint, and it looks like the balljoint is stuck in the subframe. I'm guessing I will have to use a puller of some sort, or something to press it out. Does anyone know of a tool that I could use to get it out of there that would hook onto the subframe and be able to press the threaded portion through?

 

ok, since I haven't gotten any responses with the questions I've asked, here's another that someone may know... Is there some special BMW tool that has to be used for this?

 

what kind of front control arm are you replacing oem with? Reason that i ask is i may have bent my front control arm (lost control around a corner and slammed into curb) Wheels are scratched up a bit.

My car just got an alignment but pulls to the right when accelerating. Could be my tires from not doing alignment for about 8000 miles since installing my coilovers.. lol

But i may need to replace the control arm.... Any benefit going with aftermarket?

 

I'm going with a stock control arm. The arm that I have in there right now is bent, so I need to replace it.

 

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how did you bend it? what were the symptoms... im afraid mine might be bent also.. did your car steer or pull toward that direction??

 

Thanks so much OXYBLUECOOP!!!!

Doc- I took a look at my suspension after an off at the track, and noticed that the control arm was bent. I could see a wave in the control arm. This lead to my alignment being off and pulling to the side. I also have a bent tie rod it seems.

OXYBLUECOOP- do you also have instructions for replacing an inner tie rod?

 

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Is there any information on the inner tie rod? The part that connects to the steering rack?

 

RA Front axle overview.pdf