Author Topic: replace whole control arm or just ball joints? (Read 3359 times)

nomad · « **on:** April 26, 2008, 10:06:25 AM »

I know everyone replaces the whole control arm, but it seems like an unnecessary thing to do unless it is actually bent. Buying just the ball joints seems like a perfectly fine idea (but what do i know) and having them pressed in.

Why is everyone buying the whole thing? If you had the M3 control arms you'd just press in new ball joints due to the astronomical cost right? Why not reuse these big cast iron ones on ours?

I'm trying to freshen up my tired suspension on a shoestring budget. I want to add the offset CABs and everything else will probably stay stock. I'll save some money for now keeping the iS springs and upgrade later.

tjts1 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2008, 10:33:21 AM »

Its a matter of cost. New control arm is about $70. Not sure what new ball joints and having them pressed costs.

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2008, 10:33:50 AM »

You can do both sides for cheap if you have access to a press. That's what I do. Try FCPgroton for the kits, or a vendor on ebay called joeltlc. You can do both sides for around $60

nomad · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2008, 11:40:19 AM »

I may go to the local tire shop and see if they would press them in and for how much.
Certainly saves a bunch of money.
$62 from RMEuropean.com

If I get M3 offset CABs can I install them twice or are they a one time deal? For example, I buy them and install them now, then next year I look to redo the control arms and uninstall/reinstall the lollipops?

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2008, 12:15:30 PM »

As long as you don't damage them trying to force them on or off. Use liquid soap, or wakeboard binder slime to ease the install/ un-install.
I don't see a need to remove them to replace the ball joints, just take the lollipops off with the control arms and leave em be.

nomad · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2008, 12:23:43 PM »

Cool. Just don't seem to have any issues with the ball joints right now but want to firm up things. Have to do the minimum $ possible for the time being. Offset CABs Rear shock tower mounts, bushings, ball joints and I'll probably remove the spring pads to see if I can lower the car just a bit while I save up for good spring/shock combo.

For some reason my car is a 4x4