Inspection, removal, installation and replacement of suspension arm bushings and support arms (BMW 5 Series E28)

Inspection

1. Inspect the rubber bushing of the control arm. If it is dry, cracked, torn or worn out, replace it. The rubber bushing of the control arm cannot be inspected without removing the control arm itself.

2. Jack up the vehicle and securely place it on axle stands.

3. To inspect the control arm and strut ball joints for wear, grasp the top and bottom of each ball joint with a large pair of hydraulic pliers (called "parrot jaws") and try to squeeze them. Or insert a lever or large screwdriver and move it up and down. If you find any play, replace the control arm or strut. Do not replace the ball joints separately.

Removal

If the mount is worn or damaged, the only way to replace it is to replace the entire control arm or support arm. When replacing a control arm or support arm, you should always replace the rubber bushing as well. You cannot take the bushing out of the old arm and put it on the new one.

1. Loosen the wheel mounting bolts, jack up the car and securely place it on axle supports. Remove the wheel.



2. If you are removing the control arm, loosen the three bolts on the swing arm and remove the strut assembly from the arm.





3. If you are removing the suspension arm, remove the self-locking nut and tie bolt (indicated by the arrow), which secures the inner end of the arm to the vehicle.



4. If you are removing the support arm, remove the nut and bolt (indicated by arrows) fastening the rear end of the lever.



5. Loosen the self-locking nut (suspension arm nut, left arrow; support arm nut, right arrow) from the ball joint, then support the pivot arm and press or knock the ball joint out of the pivot arm.





6. You can remove the ball joint of the support arm from the steering knuckle using a puller.



7. You may need a hammer to tap the control arm ball joint pin out of the swing arm, as there is no room to use a puller. It is best to use a specially designed ball joint separator. A hammer will not work if you are installing the same parts.

Inspection and replacement of bushings

If the bushing is cracked, torn or worn, take the control arm to a BMW dealer or repair shop, have it pressed out and a new bushing pressed in. Bushings should always be replaced in pairs (each lever must have a new bushing installed and both must have the same manufacturer's stamp). When installing a new bushing on the support arm, make sure it is positioned correctly. The arrow on the rubber bushing is aligned with the mark on the arm, and the center of the bushing is aligned with the center of the hole.

Installation

Install in reverse order. Don't forget to install new self-locking nuts on the ball joint stud nut and on the tie rod. Don't forget to install washers on both sides of the tie rod. When installing the control arm, use special thread lubricant on the pivot arm mounting bolts. Don't tighten the tie rod to the required torque right away.

The support arms are marked "L" for the left side and "R" for the right side. Please note this when installing a new arm.

1. Support the suspension arm with a jack on wheels and raise it to simulate its normal operating height, then tighten the pinch bolt to the required torque. Install the wheel and tighten the wheel mounting bolts to the required torque.

2. Have the front wheel alignment checked at a dealer service center or auto repair shop.