Various BMW models use a front suspension setup which feature two lower control arms and a MacPherson strut. The longer/larger control arm is commonly referred to as the thrust arm but may also be identified as the upper control arm, trailing control arm, tension rod, tension or traction strut.
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How much does it cost to replace a BMW control arm?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a BMW 328i control arm replacement is between $872 and $1,029. Labor costs are estimated between $150 and $189 while parts are priced between $722 and $840.
What do control arms do on a BMW?
At the steering knuckle end, the control arm connects via ball joint to allow smooth wheel movement in all directions. The ball joint allows the steering knuckle to pivot and gives the wheels the ability to turn while the vehicle is in motion.
Is a thrust arm the same as control arm?
The thrust arm is longer than the control arm. It takes on a steeper angle and rises higher to the frame, and thus is also called an Upper Control Arm. It handles much of the longitudinal (fore/aft) car jarring, and consequently takes on much abuse and wear. The control arm is shorter.
Do control arms need replacing?
Signs your control arm assembly needs to be replaced include: The steering wheel or vehicle vibrates while you are driving down the road. Loud noises, such as banging, when you go over bumps or potholes. Uneven tire wear.
Should I replace ball joint or control arm?
Ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. The ball joints are critical to vehicle alignment, so these control arms should also be replaced in pairs. Inspect the ball joint boot and look for signs of dry rotting or cracks, as well as leaking grease.
Can I drive with a damaged control arm?
How long can I drive with the damaged control arm? With the damaged or worn-out control arm, you can drive your vehicle for a week or less but it should be repaired as soon as you detect the problem through the methods given above before the suspension gets broken.
How much does it cost to fix both control arms?
On average, you can expect a car control arm replacement to cost between $500 and $750. Depending on your vehicle make and model—prices may also vary slightly depending on whether it is a front or rear control arm that needs replacing.
How much should it cost to replace control arm assembly?
Control Arms Labor and Part Costs If just a single control arm needs replacing, it will typically cost between $50 and $100. If the damage is to the whole system, you would need to purchase a control arm kit for around $100 to $250 .
How do you know if your control arm is bad?
- #1) Clunking Noise. One of the first things you’ll notice when one or more of your vehicle’s control arms goes bad is a clunking noise.
- #2) Vehicle Pulling to the Side.
- #3) Uneven Tread Wear.
- #4) Vibrations When Driving.
- #5) Visual Damage.
What causes control arm damage?
Generally speaking, control arms are often damaged in car crashes because they become bent or distorted when the car rapidly brakes and the wheels turn, or if the wheels hit a hard surface during the collision. While the part is easily replaced, it comes at a cost.
How do you test a control arm?
Checking the control arm bushings is pretty easy. Place a pry bar on the control arm near the bushing. Then attempt to move the control arm back and forth (you may also want to try moving it downward, depending on the bushing design). Don’t use a lot of force while doing this—be gentle.
What is a thrust rod bushing BMW?
They are large rubber bushings filled with hydraulic fluid that are in one of the two sets of control arms in the front suspension. Over time they wear out and crack.
Is a tension strut the same as a thrust arm?
Real OEM calls them tension struts and wishbones. I’ve also seen them called thrust arms and control arms. … but yes, they are all talking about the same two arms per side.
When should I replace control arm bushings?
- Vibrations while driving. Your car is designed to have a smooth, predictable ride.
- Clunking noises. You shouldn’t be able to hear your suspension.
- Uneven wear on tires.
- Car “pulling” to one side.
- Visual damage.
Do I need an alignment after replacing upper control arm?
Most certainly you will need to have a wheel alignment performed, including camber, caster and toe adjustments, after replacing such components.
How many years do control arms last?
Most often 3 to 6 years mostly depending on climate.
Are aftermarket lower control arms worth it?
Aftermarket control arms often weigh less than OEM control arms, reducing unsprung suspension weight and improving ride quality. Aftermarket control arms can also accommodate replacement shocks that offer better all-around performance than OEM shocks.
Can you replace ball joint without removing control arm?
The replacement of a ball joint which is pressed into the track control arm, in most cases requires a removal of the track control arm. You should therefore consider replacing the complete track control arm.
How long does it take to change ball joints and control arms?
One should also consider the labor costs, which may differ depending on the shop and the location. When it comes to ball joint replacement, it takes only about one hour to replace it, but depending on the car it can take a longer time.
How long does it take to replace ball joints and control arms?
A ball joint replacement will typically take around one hour, but it can take less or more time depending on several factors.
What happens when control arms fail?
When a control arm fails, multiple things can happen. Most failures occur from the ball joint failing. Complete ball joint failure can cause a steering knuckle disconnection and loss of control of the vehicle. Control arm bushings can also wear and fail, creating clunking, wandering steering, and loss of control.
What happens if you don’t replace control arm bushings?
Like the cartilage that protects knees and elbows, when bushings wear, it puts more stress on the joints and connected parts. Like bone-on-bone contact, worn bushings can allow metal-on-metal contact. Worn control-arm bushings can allow the vehicle’s front end to slip out of alignment and cause premature tire wear.
How many control arms does a car have?
Automotive vehicles usually have between two and four control arms, depending on the vehicle suspension. However, most modern cars only have control arms in the front wheel suspension. Larger or heavy-duty vehicles like trucks may have control arms in the rear axle.
How hard is it to replace control arm bushings?
Some bushings can be difficult to replace and may need specialized tools. In this case, it can be more economical to replace the entire component rather than just the bushing. For example, some control arm bushings cannot be replaced separately, so the control arm will have to be replaced entirely.