Calling those with mechanical know-how...

[Mac Romans]

My E85 Z4 has just failed an MOT for having an issue with a ball joint causing play in the wheel (and also for having worn rear tyres).

I've spoken to a local Indy BMW specialist about the repair and have been told that to replace a ball joint I need to change the whole swing arm and the bushes too. Before speaking to any garages I did some youtube research (and found out the job is beyond my skill level) but found plenty of videos of just the ball joints being replaced. Most videos were based on the E46 3 series but I was under the impression that most parts of the E85 were burrowed from that model.

Is the mechanic correct or is he wrong/trying to have my pants down?

 

[jonco]

Have a look in this it also lists pre jobs that are required
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...uspension/31-00-front-axle-in-general/GdISX5d

 

[Aceman]

The ball joints can be replaced on their own however it will work out cheaper to replace the whole wishbone due to the added labour of extracting the ball joints which are pressed in very tight needing a 12+ ton press to do the job. So much easier to replace the wishbone and I imagine the rear bush as a precaution as they will inevitably be worn too.

 

[Mac Romans]

Thanks for the feedback. It's reassuring as I've had work done by this garagebefore and was happy with them. I'd hate to have to search out another one to trust

 

[t-tony]

If you're doing the rear bushes Mac now would be a good time to fit poly bushes BUT you need to stress the importance of NOT splitting the alloy housings to remove the old ones as you need to re use the original alloy housings.

Tony.

ps. If it only failed on one side are you replacing just the one it failed on?
The other could be done at your leisure at the Shed.

 

[Mac Romans]

If you're doing the rear bushes Mac now would be a good time to fit poly bushes BUT you need to stress the importance of NOT splitting the alloy housings to remove the old ones as you need to re use the original alloy housings.

Tony.

ps. If it only failed on one side are you replacing just the one it failed on?
The other could be done at your leisure at the Shed.

Thanks Tony. I’m just doing the front nearside for now.

To have the new swing arm supplied and fitted with rear bushes and a starter motor (inc air inlet manifold as it has to be removed to get access) I’ve been quoted £535 all in with parts and labour.

 

[t-tony]

Doesn't sound out of the way mate to be fair.

Tony.

 

[Mac Romans]

Doesn't sound out of the way mate to be fair.

Tony.

I thought that too, just wasn’t sure I needed everything he said I did but it sounds like what I’m spending in parts I’m saving in labour. He’s only charging 1.5 hours labour for it all so it’s not too bad.

You mentioned polybushes...are they what some people call “lollipops”? If so they were upgraded about 6000 miles ago so should be sound.

 

[t-tony]

Yes lollypops same thing mate, that saves time on stripping as well.

Tony.

 

[Pingu]

I'd recommend getting the tracking checked after any suspension work.

If you do get the tracking adjusted, you will probably need to have the steering sensor reset.

 

[Stevo7682]

Would agree with @Pingu we add alignment onto any work that requires suspension components strip or replace as soon as you touch it you invariably knock out the alignment.
Stephen.