>I just bought a 1995 540. I new it had suspension problem when I got. I
>am
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> balljoints but I don't want to start replacing parts without having it pen
> pointed.
> "JDReich" <u40143@uwe> wrote:
>>I just bought a 1995 540. I new it had suspension problem when I got. I
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> and
> see if the rubber is rotten, torn, cracked, or pulled loose.
Uh, guys? "Control arm bushings" and "ball joints" are synonymous.
(Although tie-rod ends also have ball joints/bushings.)
You should first carefully inspect the front tires for defects and
balance, and the rims looking for a bent one. I have had shaking
of the front end caused by simply rotating rear tires to the front. Tires
worn 50% or more should first be replaced (the front end of BMWs
can be upset by tire wear), and rotation should not be done, in general,
on these cars.
Only then should you start deeper repairs; and then the first thing
to do is replace the upper and lower control arm (bushings/ball joints),
as you have posited, and been affirmed by Bob.
FloydR
Jeff Strickland - 25 Dec 2007 18:38 GMT
>> "JDReich" <u40143@uwe> wrote:
>>>I just bought a 1995 540. I new it had suspension problem when I got. I
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> Uh, guys? "Control arm bushings" and "ball joints" are synonymous.
> (Although tie-rod ends also have ball joints/bushings.)
Control arm bushings are the rubber grommets where the control arms are
atttached to the frame/body. Ball joints are where the tire assembly is
attached to the control arm. There are upper and lower ball joints, one each
at the top and bottom of the steering knuckle.
Control arm bushings and ball joints are not the same thing.
Floyd Rogers - 25 Dec 2007 20:26 GMT
> "Floyd Rogers" <fbloogyuds@hotmail.com> wrote
>> Uh, guys? "Control arm bushings" and "ball joints" are synonymous.
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>
> Control arm bushings and ball joints are not the same thing.
I beg to differ. The upper and lower control arms have ball joints
pressed into them. That is what I am referring to.
FloydR
Jeff Strickland - 25 Dec 2007 20:31 GMT
>> "Floyd Rogers" <fbloogyuds@hotmail.com> wrote
>>> Uh, guys? "Control arm bushings" and "ball joints" are synonymous.
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>
> FloydR
Yes, they do. But they also have bushings where they are connected to the
frame. That's what the rest of us are referring to. Bushings and ball joints
are not the same thing.