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Wishbone and Tension Strut

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spirit49
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Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by spirit49 » Sun Jul 13, 2014 9:13 pm

My E70 2008 (3.0d) needs new wishbones and tension struts up front.

I have decided to exchange the whole arms, not just the bushings (car has 110'km since new).

Could anybody advice on the size on the tool needed to remove the Torx nut that connects the arms to the wheel side. My set stops at 20, so I believe it must be a 22 or 24. Would be nice to know before ordering the required tools.
Same actually goes for the mm nut on the inner connection. Is that 22 or 24mm?

Anybody seen a DIY on this exchange somewhere online?
Last edited by spirit49 on Sun Jul 13, 2014 9:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

martin33100
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Re: Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by martin33100 » Fri Jul 18, 2014 11:03 pm

I did my lower control arms last week (there the ones in the middle that the spring strut goes to).
The nut hub end on both arms  is 27mm, the tension strut to chassis I think is a 19 and the others on the lower control arm are 21.
The BMW workshop manual also recommends changing the bolts (I did) and the tightening figures are as follows and with the vehicle weight on the suspension :-
Ball joint end 80nm
Tension strut to chassis 100nm + 90deg
Lower control arm to chassis 165nm
Lower control arm to spring strut holder 140nm + 90deg

If you need arms ring all German parts and speak to Jason and say Martin Turner from the forum recommended them.
I got a good deal on some oe factory fitted Lemforder arms
http://www.allgermanparts.co.uk/

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AVI-8
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Re: Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by AVI-8 » Wed Aug 06, 2014 8:46 pm

[quote="spirit49"]
My E70 2008 (3.0d) needs new wishbones and tension struts up front.

I have decided to exchange the whole arms, not just the bushings (car has 110'km since new).

Could anybody advice on the size on the tool needed to remove the Torx nut that connects the arms to the wheel side. My set stops at 20, so I believe it must be a 22 or 24. Would be nice to know before ordering the required tools.
Same actually goes for the mm nut on the inner connection. Is that 22 or 24mm?

Anybody seen a DIY on this exchange somewhere online?
[/quote]

Hi there, I just did that job on my e53, I presume the E70 has the same torx bolts as the E53, I couldn't remember what size of torx bolt was fitted so I've just gone out and checked for you, it's a T45, I'm presuming that you're talking about the torx bolts which hold the ball joint to the chassis, the thrust arms attach to them.

Here's a write up I did whilst changing mine. It wasn't a fun job maybe yours will be easier.


Oh and I very much recommend Meyle suspension arms, they're heavy duty and come with a 4 year guarantee. You can get them on eBay, I've had both leomforder and meyle on my 5 series, the meyle's lasted longer.

Logan
Last edited by AVI-8 on Wed Aug 06, 2014 8:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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2006 X5 Le Mans Blue Sport Edition 3.0D
1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2

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Re: Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by AVI-8 » Wed Aug 06, 2014 8:53 pm

Tried to upload the link to the post I made when I changed mine but for some reason it came up with something different, I'll try again here

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/https://xdr ... ic.php?t=9
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spirit49
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Re: Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by spirit49 » Tue Aug 12, 2014 9:29 pm

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies

Found a Torx kit on Ebay so I have most sizes.

Ordered the Original parts. Got a good discount locally.

Will go for it this weekend. X-ing fingers that there won't be too much trouble.

martin33100
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Re: Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by martin33100 » Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:21 am

[quote="spirit49"]
Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies

Found a Torx kit on Ebay so I have most sizes.

Ordered the Original parts. Got a good discount locally.

Will go for it this weekend. X-ing fingers that there won't be too much trouble.
[/quote]I don't know why you need a Torx kit.
Just sockets 19mm, 21mm and 27mm.

spirit49
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Re: Wishbone and Tension Strut

Post by spirit49 » Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:52 pm

So the change is done.
Wasnt to bad an experience, but I found it hard to get enough leverage with the Torque tool when the car was in the "Normal" position on the garage floor.
Managed enough torque on all but one nut, but did that one when the car was in alignment on a 4 wheel lift.

However, here starts my new problem. After the first alignment the steering wheel was way off and soon got the 4x4 and DSC fail, due to the fact that the wheel was off center.
Back to the shop.
New alignment, but still about 5 degrees right steering wheel deflection.
Since my wheel bearings was worn, they blamed it on them.
Had them exchanged and they threw in a new free alignment.(690£)
STILL 5 DEGREES OFF TO THE RIGHT!!!!

Now they don't know what is wrong.
Since the car had the wheel centered before the 1st alignment, I have a feeling that it is their equipment that is off. But he claim that they do 6 a week, and they have never this problem.

Can anybody help?!!

Is it them or the car??

PS: Worth mentioning that the car has Active steering. Found some info on different forums that Alignment can only be done in the Stealership when Active Steering is installed!!??
Last edited by spirit49 on Tue Aug 26, 2014 4:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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