subject: Learn How To Replace The Control Arm Of Bmw E36 3-series (2) [print this page] The new control arms are shipped with new ball joints already pre-installed, so we do not have to re-use the outer ball joint from the old control arm. Once you have the mounting bushings installed on the end of the new control arm, take it back to the car and line the control arm up to roughly it's installed position and press the inner ball joint tapered threads up through the sub frame mounting point. You may find you need to hold it in place with a jack. This will seat the tapered threads and help stop the ball joint from spinning once you thread the nut on. So, install a new self-locking nut on the threads and torque the nut to 62 ft./lbs. Repeat this for the other side as well.
It's important to always use new self-locking nuts anytime you work on suspension components. The plastic liners inside the nuts provide a locking surface for the threads. Anytime you remove one of these nuts, it renders these plastic liners are destroyed, effectively reducing the effectiveness of the nut to tighten.
Now line up the outer ball joint with it respective hole in the rotor/hub assembly and use the jack to again seat the tapered fitting. Once secured with the jack, install a new self-locking nut and torque it to 48 ft./lbs. Repeat this for both sides of the car.
Take the rear rubber bracket/bushing mount and secure it to the car using the two bolts. Loosely thread both in before you start to torque them. Once both are in, torque them both to 34 ft./lbs.
Now place the jack under the new control arm assembly. We will need to jack up the arm so that the suspension drop link will slide into its mounting point. As you jack up the arm, guide the drop link so it fit's into the mounting point on the control arm. Once installed, thread a new self-locking nut onto the bolt and torque it to 31 ft./lbs. Repeat this for both sides. Re-mount the front wheels and snug up the lug bolts.
Now we are ready to lower the car. Start out by jacking up either side according to Wayne article, and remove the jack stands from each side. Now carefully lower the car and tighten the lug bolts on the wheels using a criss cross pattern. Remove the chocks from the rear wheels and that's it, you're done!
Well, there you have it - it's really not too difficult at all. If you would like to see more technical articles like this one, please continue to support Pelican Parts with all your parts needs. If you like what you see here, then please visit our online BMW catalog and help support the collection and creating of new and informative technical articles like this one. Your continued support directly affects the expansion and existence of this site and technical articles like this one. As always, if you have any questions or comments about this helpful article, please drop us a line.
