[AlbertJi305]

I went to bmw to get a wheel alignment and they basically refused to do it because the rust on my car was horrible according to them, should I just take it to an Indy alignment shop and forget what they said or replace my control arms and tie rods etc because that's what they recommend I do. To me it doesn't look like too much rust, any thoughts?[IMG][/IMG]

[S65Hunter]

Looks more like the hardware is the rusty part and not the actual suspension. As some one who has worked at a shop, I understand why they didn't want to do it. With how much rust the nuts/bolts have, you have a higher chance of snapping them. Then a simple alignment just turned into trying to extract rusted/seized bolts. Which in some cases can take hours.

[AlbertJi305]

Originally Posted by AlpineE93

Looks more like the hardware is the rusty part and not the actual suspension. As some one who has worked at a shop, I understand why they didn't want to do it. With how much rust the nuts/bolts have, you have a higher chance of snapping them. Then a simple alignment just turned into trying to extract rusted/seized bolts. Which im some cases can take hours.

Do you think if I add penetrating oil to the hardware before I take it to an actual alignment shop they will potentially do it?

[S65Hunter]

I would just take it to a known good Indy shop and ask them what they think. Indy shops tend to be more relaxed about stuff like this. Just let them know you need an alignment but you have some concerns about the rust.

[AlbertJi305]

Originally Posted by AlpineE93

I would just take it to a known good Indy shop and ask them what they think. Indy shops tend to be more relaxed about stuff like this. Just let them know you need an alignment but you have some concerns about the rust.

Awesome thanks

[ppointer]

I don't know so much about the various components, but your fasteners are gone. About 18 months ago I went through something like this with my Infiniti SUV. Fasteners looked just like yours. All fasteners and concentrics had to be replaced. In the end, it rides and drives better than new, but it was not a cheap fix.

[whyzee125]

They only need replaced if they break, which the dealer didn't want the liability of.

I had an e90 a few years back with way less rust than that and they snapped off a bolt on one of the rear toe arms so their concerns are very valid. If it were mine, I would use some kroil and a torch to break them loose yourself first. Torches work wonders on rusty bolts. Then go to an indy.