o/s control arm

[jcjdavis1]

I have just been told I need an o/s control arm.What other bits do I need to change to get the job done? thanks

[Chris-W]

Just the bush.

[jcjdavis1]

good man CW

[alan325i]

ideally though change both sides as i have found in the past when when side goes the other aint far behind it

[jcjdavis1]

Hi I have to take into account She Who Must Be Obeyed as just had some body work done. So one side at a time.

[jcjdavis1]

I have just been told I need an o/s control arm.What other bits do I need to change to get the job done? thanks

Where to buy ECP,GSF or Stealers?

[Chris-W]

ECP / GSF will do fine.

[chu346]

ECP generally better quality I have found.

[jcjdavis1]

thanks folks

[ric325i]

oh this is good timing.

i am changing both sides control arms and didnt realise i need the bushes as well!

so i went to a garage to get the old bush off and slide it onto the new control arm along with the mount for the bush.

they said they cant change them over because they always get the bits together(bush included) as the angle needs to be perfect! or the wheels will be off line.

is this true and how do i get the bushes onto the new arms?

car is on axle stands over night.not happy. help

[Chris-W]

Bushes line up with a blob on the bush mounting ("tennis racket"), and you need to track the wheels after an arm swap anyway.

[SGP]

Not a diy job I'm afraid.One option would be to go the poly way and get two solid poly bushes,these will simply slide onto the control arms.you need to be fairly handy to get the old ones out of their tennis rackets and get the poly ones in. A good bench vice is useful.

[ric325i]

hum this sounds fun.
guess tomorrow i will get the old ones back on and figure this out.

but i got told the bmw bushes are better than poly bushes?

[ric325i]

could i go to a different garage and say do this! if i have new bushes can i destroy the old ones then force the new ones on?

[Chris-W]

The old ones are generally destroyed in removal. Cut the rubber core out and hacksaw a slit in the metal ring to release the pressure. New ones can be installed with decent sized vice - in the absence of a press.

[SGP]

The genuine parts are probably the best ones all right,I removed the worn ones fron the rackets by cutting them out with a hacksaw and fitted the new ones with the aid of my trusty bench vice.but the new ones were poly's.takes a lot of brute force and ignorance but very satisfying.I'm not sure how difficult it is to fit the complete assembly back onto the control arms with original bushes,but the polys just slide on.

[ric325i]

this is great info! cheers people.

hope i havent stole the thread. just added to it.

im used to a bit of brute force so i guess it will be fun.
do you know where i can get some poly bushes? i know im being lazy not looking but hey if you guys know.job done.

so old control arms back on.
mash the old bushes off.
butcher new ones on
fit them
get lined up and balanced etc
smile and think back to the 205 Mi16 control arms. 15 mins, no knuckles but done.

german engineering. class.

[SGP]

priracing.co.uk

[ric325i]

wow. do i need the shell as well?
cause that gets pricey!

[Brianmoooore]

.I'm not sure how difficult it is to fit the complete assembly back onto the control arms with original bushes,.

I would leave the aftermarket stuff to the Saxo boys.
You can use E36M3 bushes if you want, either offset or concentric, but they cost a fair bit more than the ordinary ones.
The bush/lollipop assembly can be pushed back onto the pins by hand, but it is important to use the correct type of lubricant, (commonly known as diluted Fairy Liquid), and follow the correct procedure to "set" the bush at the right angle on the pin.

[jcjdavis1]

Hi got all bits from ECP next job getting them fitted.Hopefully done by the weekend,I wonder what will go next.