Costs: Front Control Arms & Stabilizers, Front Wheel Bearing Job

wtrskg · Today, 02:02 PM

I was quoted 1700USD to repair front control arms and stabilizers. However, isn't this a simple bushing replacement? Control arms wouldn't need to be replaced, neither stabilizer arms -- just bushings, right? If it's just a bushing replacement, then couldn't I do that? (I pulled the entire front suspension off my '68 Porsche 912 in 2-3 hours last weekend).

Is replacing control arm and stabilizer bushings a complex job requiring special tools? How many hours of labor?

Also, what about front wheel bearing replacement. I would guess they have to pull the brake rotors/calipers, brake fluid line from calipers, and then wheel hubs. Are bearings press fit so that they could become a real bear to replace? What about labor hours to do the front wheel bearings?

The Nightman · Today, 05:16 PM

Front control arms are stupid easy as the entire arm is typically replaced. The front "tension strut" is a common issue as the large hydraulic bushing fails and leaks. The "wishbones" last longer but it's not a bad idea to replace them at the same time. You don't even need an alignment after as nothing is adjustable.

It sounds like you are capable of replacing the arms yourself. It typically only takes 1-2 hours and you can get four OE arms for $300 from FCP: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e-e90-e90kit-l

If you fancy an upgrade, you could opt for M3 control arms. The tension strut bushing is solid rubber, and the inner bushing on the wishbone is replaced with a ball joint. Alignment required as the wishbones are longer and your toe will be significantly off. Meyle seems to be the current best option: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rade-bmwmcakit

Today, 02:02 PM	#1
wtrskg Major (USAF) 2 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i (Sedan, LCI) Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Costs: Front Control Arms & Stabilizers, Front Wheel Bearing Job I was quoted 1700USD to repair front control arms and stabilizers. However, isn't this a simple bushing replacement? Control arms wouldn't need to be replaced, neither stabilizer arms -- just bushings, right? If it's just a bushing replacement, then couldn't I do that? (I pulled the entire front suspension off my '68 Porsche 912 in 2-3 hours last weekend). Is replacing control arm and stabilizer bushings a complex job requiring special tools? How many hours of labor? Also, what about front wheel bearing replacement. I would guess they have to pull the brake rotors/calipers, brake fluid line from calipers, and then wheel hubs. Are bearings press fit so that they could become a real bear to replace? What about labor hours to do the front wheel bearings?
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Today, 05:16 PM	#2
The Nightman Cometh 1236 Rep 1,407 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI "330i& ... [10.00]	Front control arms are stupid easy as the entire arm is typically replaced. The front "tension strut" is a common issue as the large hydraulic bushing fails and leaks. The "wishbones" last longer but it's not a bad idea to replace them at the same time. You don't even need an alignment after as nothing is adjustable. It sounds like you are capable of replacing the arms yourself. It typically only takes 1-2 hours and you can get four OE arms for $300 from FCP: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...e-e90-e90kit-l If you fancy an upgrade, you could opt for M3 control arms. The tension strut bushing is solid rubber, and the inner bushing on the wishbone is replaced with a ball joint. Alignment required as the wishbones are longer and your toe will be significantly off. Meyle seems to be the current best option: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...rade-bmwmcakit
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