healthservices

Actually my ball joint is good, I just wanted to remove the arm to see it's condition.

Yeah I know...

toyota2bmw

The bushing is torn then? Did you shake the wheel afterwards to see if you could reproduce the rattle?

healthservices

Yeah the bushing is torn, hopefully that is the noise. It may also be the cause of my rf wheel hitting the fender on mild bumps like inclined driveways to the right.

best1

How did the arm clear the bottom of the strut tube/tower without compressing the spring?

healthservices

I have coil overs

I think with stock struts you will have to have to loosen the bolt that holds the lower end of the strut and slide down the knuckle assy down some to clear.

best1

ok i have not done this yet and am waiting for warmer weather. I have a 550 with the stock sport suspension. I think i can just loosen the assembly and pull the knuckle down as you suggested and from what i have read.

my530i

Is alignment needed after replacing support arm?

best1

I beleive it is because you have to manipulate the the strut tower and that would change the camber? of the suspension. I plan to get an alighnment afterwards.

AchtungE60

I have replaced these several times. Of course it definitely was not easy because the ball joint does not clear and you do have to compress the spring and move the hub assembly up to get the arm out..and it's not the easiest. Now with coilovers that may be a different story, I have OEM sport suspension....although EVERYONE asks if my car is lowered.

I did not have to get an alignment and you will not either unless you are replacing the tie rods. BMW states you have to because they want your $ lol.