Alignment required after a lower control arm replacement?
08-12-2009, 02:41 PM
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Sure enough, the popping sound in my front suspension was the left lower control arm (I had to replace the right at about 75k...now I'm at 90k).
Cost: $268.70 for the part, $140.88 for labor. Sound reasonable?
They are suggesting I get an alignment and I was hoping to get some feedback. If the car drives straight now, will it now after the replacement? I would love to avoid spending the $119. Thanks!!!!
Cost: $268.70 for the part, $140.88 for labor. Sound reasonable?
They are suggesting I get an alignment and I was hoping to get some feedback. If the car drives straight now, will it now after the replacement? I would love to avoid spending the $119. Thanks!!!!
08-12-2009, 02:48 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
Any time you get work done on the suspension, especially major work like a control arm, an alignment is required. If not you will have uneven tire wear at best, at worst it will become unstable under braking. Sorry, no other way about it.
08-12-2009, 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by pjinca' post='974307' date='Aug 12 2009, 05:48 PM
Any time you get work done on the suspension, especially major work like a control arm, an alignment is required. If not you will have uneven tire wear at best, at worst it will become unstable under braking. Sorry, no other way about it.
08-12-2009, 05:38 PM
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I don't think you need alignment since lower control arm is a fixed (non-adjustable) portion of suspension similar to such as bushing replacement of stabilizer and removal of such part is independent from other parts. At least in my case the dealer said no when I asked if I need alignment or not.
If you looking for the best cost on part you can check w/ Garry Romani to see if you get a better price then what the dealer quoted you.
If you looking for the best cost on part you can check w/ Garry Romani to see if you get a better price then what the dealer quoted you.
08-12-2009, 05:40 PM
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Where did you get your control arms for 270.00. My dealer quote me 255 a piece and with labor it will 1000-please inform me..also are they oem or aftermarket
08-12-2009, 07:05 PM
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if it drives straight, i wouldnt align it.
there is nothing to adjust on the control arm itself. and the replacment arm should dimension out the same as the original.
there is nothing to adjust on the control arm itself. and the replacment arm should dimension out the same as the original.
08-12-2009, 10:22 PM
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I'd do the alignment, but that's mostly my driving style talking.
Great deal on control arms tho - when I had mine replaced at the dealer, the bill was like 900+ per side!!! Covered under warranty, but nevertheless, scary numbers.
Great deal on control arms tho - when I had mine replaced at the dealer, the bill was like 900+ per side!!! Covered under warranty, but nevertheless, scary numbers.
08-12-2009, 11:10 PM
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ive just replaced my control arms, genuine ?150 pounds per side.
Did the work myself and was quite straightforward , took 1 1/4 hours to do both.
I would say alignment requirement would depend on how worn they are, and how worn they were when the last alignment was done, if that makes sense.
Did the work myself and was quite straightforward , took 1 1/4 hours to do both.
I would say alignment requirement would depend on how worn they are, and how worn they were when the last alignment was done, if that makes sense.
08-12-2009, 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Rob Hall' post='974807' date='Aug 13 2009, 03:10 AM
ive just replaced my control arms, genuine ?150 pounds per side.
Did the work myself and was quite straightforward , took 1 1/4 hours to do both.
I would say alignment requirement would depend on how worn they are, and how worn they were when the last alignment was done, if that makes sense.
Did the work myself and was quite straightforward , took 1 1/4 hours to do both.
I would say alignment requirement would depend on how worn they are, and how worn they were when the last alignment was done, if that makes sense.
OP, do the alignment - you'll save the money on the tires, trust me
