Some tips on replacing the control arms?

I just installed new control arms and bushings on my '96 328i 97k miles and learned a few tricks along the way. The tipoff that front end work was needed was a shimmy in left hand sweepers at or above 70mph at first - later the onset of this shimmy was at somewhat lower speeds. I'd had an alignment done a couple of months before, and those guys are usually pretty thorough in checking ball joints, etc., so I thought maybe a tire was giving up or something similar. Needed new ones anyway, so I put new Michelins on but it didn't help. Checked the ball joints and both outers were bad.

Tricks I learned in the removal/installation process:
1. Definitely pull the sway bar - it takes a little time, but makes access to the control arms much easier.
2. A decent battery-powered impact wrench is a great tool to have. I bought one half-way through the job and wish I'd had it years ago. Excellent for breaking nuts free on the ball joints, after lubing them with PB Blaster. I DO NOT like to zing off nuts unless I have first cleaned and lubed threads, however. The impact wrench is good for installation too, but take it easy - hand torque.
3. Completely remove ball joint nuts then re-thread them on about two or three turns before breaking the ball joint loose at the taper. If you don't, and break the tapered joint first, the nut can be a bear to get off as the shaft will turn easily, especially in a worn-out joint. Ask me how I know - the first one took an hour to take off, the second took 2 minutes. Once again, the impact wrench was the tool to have.
4. If the ball joint resists breaking free using a pickle fork, hammer the fork in until it's real tight, then put a piece of pipe on it and push down hard - you can get a lot of leverage this way.
5. I installed M3 bushings and was real careful to verify alignment of them - sketch yourself a pic for reference if needed. I used some lube that came with my new sway bar bushings, banged the control arm bushings in with a rubber mallet, then twisted them as necessary to line up just right. With the lube, they twisted easily even had to take one back off and turn it around - no sweat.

I have not had the car aligned with the new parts, but it drives super sweet with a very precise feel. Money well spent, but doing the job outside in 100 degrees was somewhat uncomfortable. Good thing I have a swimming hole in the creek behind my house.

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[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Thanks for the tips for our readers

- Nick