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I've had this 1992 740 (Non-Turbo 222K) since 2003. The dealer inspection at that time found that the suspension bushings were worn and loose. Indeed, steering rattles a bit at times. So I have decided I want to do something about it -- bushings, ball joints -- and while I'm about it, tie rod ends. I have never done anything quite like this before (brake overhaul last year), so I'd like some experienced input.
Here's my plan:
1) Jack up passenger side of car and secure on stand (at jacking point at side behind wheel).
2) Remove wheel.
3) Undo ball joint connections -- cotter pin, bolts.
4) Undo rear control arm bolt and remove control arm from the car.
5) Remove ball joint (I have a tuning-fork tool for that which I hope I can get to work without destroying anything).
6) Install new ball joint with 2 new bolts and loctite. Torque to specs.
7) Remove front and rear strut rod bolt and remove strut rod from car.
8) Take control arm and strut rod along to Bob's Wheel alignment where I am told they will press out/in the 3 bushings for $40.
9) Re-Install control arm and strut rod -- torque to 75% of spec torque.
10) Replace tie rod end using same tool as in 5) above (Scotty Kilmer makes this look really easy -- is it?)
11) Make sure all bolts are tight.
12) Replace wheel.
13) Drive car onto ramp and tighten all bolts fully to spec.
14) Double check that all bolts are tightened to spec.
15) Test drive -- very briefly.
16) Repeat 1) -> 14 for driver's side.
17) Test drive over to Sear's (closer than Bob's) for a full wheel alignment.
Questions:
a) Have I got the order of operations about right? I'm only guessing from what I have read and suspect there may be a best order in which to undo the bolts and to re-install everything.
b) Can I re-use the rear suspension bolts from steps 4) and 7) (I suspect so because they are not mentioned or supplied with the bushing kits (except for front strut rod bolt) by IPD.
c) If I were to decide to replace the sway bar bushings / end links (connections to control arm) -- would that introduce complications? I imagine if I were to try that the sway bar end would sink down and be difficult to position for re-assembly? (Do I need to jack back into position for re-assembly).
Any other comments / impressions / do's / don'ts would be welcome.
Thanks,
Rob
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