Replacing Thrust Arm Bushings - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

baf3472 · 12th August 2005, 21:17

I need to replace my Thrust arm bushings due to a shimmy when braking. What other front end parts does everyone recommend I change while they’re doing this? I figure I should do a little preventative maintenance and i'm not sure what parts are considered consumables. thanx in advance

baf3472 · 12th August 2005, 23:26

Shameless Bump

Ocean's M5 · 12th August 2005, 23:46

Are you going to replace yourself? If so, then I would have a dealership tell you what they are going to replace in the "veil" of an estimate. Is that the right word?

At least you would have the proper info...

mottati · 12th August 2005, 23:50

i had my thrust arm bushings replaced last week. It did cure my shimmy. there are other bushings, ball joints and wheel bearings of course, but i do not think they fail as routinley as the thrust arm bushings. If you are doing it yourself, i think you can buy the whole control arm with bushings, ball joint etc and replace the whole package.

My dealer seemed to be hesitant to start replacing parts in the front end, maybe because of my mods, who knows. I've been complaining about the shimmy (it was mild) and a little "looseness" in my front end for nearly a year, finally the bushings started leaking, which is the failure sign. (not a cpo part, i might add, wear and tear).
Mike

baf3472 · 13th August 2005, 00:52

Actually im having my trusted independant shop do it. The owner used to be a tech at the local BMW dealership and actually worked on my car while there. He left and opened his own shop. He diagnosed the problem and he suggested just changing the bushing but i figured since hes gonna be in that area working if something should get changed why not do it.

Xcargo · 13th August 2005, 04:10

All right another part that will need to be replaced. How many miles can I expect to have this one go on me?

greg · 13th August 2005, 09:50

If you can, please take pictures and document the procedure for those of us who may DIY in the future...

Thanks in advance

Lscman · 13th August 2005, 17:02

You may want to investigate the possibility of substituting X5 V8 bushings. They are rumored to be streetable but stronger, since they must withstand high CG with more weight and huge tire combo.

The M5 bushing is the standard design found in a 1997 5er.

Greco · 13th August 2005, 21:09

Take a look at your tie-rods as well, left, right, and center. It contributes to shimmy's. Also the thrust arm itself has a ball joint so the arm might need replacement as well.