MOT Advisory Question regarding Ball Joints

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Danmancity

Member
My MOT has come back with advisories for the ball joints, the exact wording is as below

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint and rear bushes (2.4.G.2)
Offside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint and rear bushes (2.4.G.2)

So obviously I'm going to get it sorted now to be safe

Question is, do i need to replace just the ball joint https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-E46-E85-E86-Meyle-HD-Front-Lower-Control-Arm-Ball-Joint-3160100003HD/251996389048?fits=Model%3AZ4&epid=782489980&hash=item3aac27beb8:g:lHIAAOSw~OdVfq~P

Or will the whole arm need replacing? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-CONTROL-ARM-WISHBONE-FRONT-LEFT-RIGHT-BALL-JOINT-BMW-3-SERIES-E46-Z4-E85-E86/371493027151?_trkparms=ao%3D1%26asc%3D20170912101845%26meid%3De3cd2d70bb514745b548b7fce7d6bb7c%26pid%3D100705%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26&_trksid=p2045573.c100705.m4780

Either way the parts are pretty reasonable and my Dad and I can do the work

Ill need a new ball joint press if the ball joints can be done on their own so will anything do the job? Watched a video on youtube and the one they used was hege compared to what i used to have, doesnt need a special amount of travel does it? Will this one do the job?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10pc-Ball-Joint-Press-Service-Kit-Remover-Separator-4x4-Adaptor-4-in-1Tool-Set/282786751205?epid=21012137212&hash=item41d76762e5:g:eZgAAOSwnTdaQ141
 
I think the separate ball joint will not fit standard OEM Z4 wishbones, only Meyle Heavy Duty versions. If you have original parts fitted you'll need to replace the complete wishbone, for which it would make sense to fit the Meyle HD version.

Make sure you do the rear bushes at the same time, sometimes called the lollipop bushes. They will probably disintegrate when you try to remove them from the old wishbones anyway. Powerflex poly bushes are a popular upgrade without any detrimental effects on ride.

Chris
 
Thought it would be easier to replace the whole thing

With regards to the arms themselves, is it really worth the extra money for Meyle HD? theyre about £180 for the front and £45 for the rear bushes whereas lesser known brands can be had for £110 and £30

Mine is the M Sport suspension so a lot of the parts on eBay say unsuitable for the sport suspension
 
rally-chris said:
I think the separate ball joint will not fit standard OEM Z4 wishbones, only Meyle Heavy Duty versions. If you have original parts fitted you'll need to replace the complete wishbone, for which it would make sense to fit the Meyle HD version.

Make sure you do the rear bushes at the same time, sometimes called the lollipop bushes. They will probably disintegrate when you try to remove them from the old wishbones anyway. Powerflex poly bushes are a popular upgrade without any detrimental effects on ride.

Chris
Click to expand...
They are a popular upgrade but have significant detrimental effects on ride..
They make it harsher and more 'crashy' by replacing oem oil filled rubber with poly that tranmits noise and vibration to the cabin.
For some they provide less flex to improve handling
 
No NVH or ride problems with Powerflex lollipop bushes on mine.... I don't know what effects the HD arms give though (not done this on mine yet).

Chris
 
I have the HD arms and powerflex poly bushes on my M and have no issues with he ride.

Get it done!!!
 
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