what is the best way to check the ball joints for wear on my e30. lower control arm.
I understand they should be checked " unloaded " does that mean with the wheels hanging and level from front sub frame supported with 2 axle stands. correct way to check macpherson strut type suspension, which e30's are.
how should i check my ball joints on front end. * ANSWERED
Moderator: martauto
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arrisbmw
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 466
- Joined: Sat May 06, 2017 11:00 pm
Last edited by arrisbmw on Tue Feb 20, 2018 7:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
arrisbmw
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 466
- Joined: Sat May 06, 2017 11:00 pm
I understand they should be checked " unloaded " that means with the wheels hanging and level from front sub frame supported with 2 axle stands. correct way to check macpherson strut type suspension, which e30's are.[/quote]
keep car level to minimize anti roll bar . stress
mark lower ball joint on track control arm and stub axle knuckle (where the ball joint bolt goes thru ) with white chalk line horizontally .
with the tyres still attached get a long bar between the ground and tyre. and pry up . the B/J AND s/a Knuckle should move in unison, with no clicking noises, and no play= good ball joint.
its probably easier to check with a second pair of hands. EYES
obviouisly check rubber covers if damaged , renew.
while the cars up in the air release steering lock, slowly turn wheel from lock to lock , should be smooth and no binding.
aS ball joints can wear in two ways horizontally and laterally.
the centre ball joint on the track control arm, just inspect for damaged rubber and use a pry bar to check no play.
keep car level to minimize anti roll bar . stress
mark lower ball joint on track control arm and stub axle knuckle (where the ball joint bolt goes thru ) with white chalk line horizontally .
with the tyres still attached get a long bar between the ground and tyre. and pry up . the B/J AND s/a Knuckle should move in unison, with no clicking noises, and no play= good ball joint.
its probably easier to check with a second pair of hands. EYES
obviouisly check rubber covers if damaged , renew.
while the cars up in the air release steering lock, slowly turn wheel from lock to lock , should be smooth and no binding.
aS ball joints can wear in two ways horizontally and laterally.
the centre ball joint on the track control arm, just inspect for damaged rubber and use a pry bar to check no play.