sway bar links

I noticed one of my boots have separated, is there a reason to replace both sway bar links at the same time? I have 120,000 miles on this car.

Kevin

I replace both of them, at the same time, because they are relatively cheap.

I don't see why you couldn't just replace one side, assuming the other side is still firm.

I would pull the other one off, and check the ball joint for slackish play.

If one is gone, the other is too. For the cost of less than $30 each and less than 30mins wheels up to wheels down, why wouldn't you do both?

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

If one is gone, the other is too. For the cost of less than $30 each and less than 30mins wheels up to wheels down, why wouldn't you do both?

Exactly, to inspect the other side is half the job of replacing it.

The only front suspension component that isn't always replaced in pairs are the control arms.

You do both links at once. No debate.

And there's room to grab the links to check for play without removing a wheel or jacking up the car.

Originally Posted by Kubica

The only front suspension component that isn't always replaced in pairs are the control arms.

You do both links at once. No debate.

And there's room to grab the links to check for play without removing a wheel or jacking up the car.

Yeah there is room, but without getting the front up in the air the links will be loaded, and very hard to feel for subtle play, which can still clink and clunk.

I suggest jack the car from the rear pad enough to get a jackstand under the vacant front Jack pad.

Lower Jack gently and repeat process, on the other side.

Once both wheel are up it will be a lot easier to inspect and replace properly.

You only need to replace the bad one. They are either good or bad.

^Ya if you bought your xi for $5k this year. Cheap bastards.

Originally Posted by Kubica

^Ya if you bought your xi for $5k this year. Cheap bastards.

haaahhahahahahahahaa. I at this.

Originally Posted by bmwbob89

You only need to replace the bad one. They are either good or bad.

...not really.
Op it's cheap. Replace the other one so you don't have to do it 2 months from now when it fails.

thanks all, will go ahead and do both while I am at it

You guys are pretty funny. If a dealer replaced both sides because one was bad you would all be saying they ripped you off. I replace what is needed when it is needed. They are not a part that needs replaced in pairs. The other one may last years before it needs replaced. It may have been replaced already. You can waste money if you like but i would rather spend it on things that actually need done or a beer.

^ So do you replace only one brake pad or rotor when the other side is good? How about shocks/springs?

If one side has failed, I would be willing to bet the other side isn't far behind.

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

^ So do you replace only one brake pad or rotor when the other side is good? How about shocks/springs?

If one side has failed, I would be willing to bet the other side isn't far behind.

+1 -It's also important for proper ballance.

They don't have any balance. Its a metal rod with a ball and socket. If the ball and socket are worn they make noise. You always do brakes per axle you don't replace front and rear because one axle is worn. Shocks are a little different. If they have more than 30k on them BMW says replace both if not do the one that is leaking. That was warranty criteria. I would always replace both shocks on the axles that were an issue if it was customer pay. I work on BMW's and have for almost 40 years. I know what I am talking about. If you don't want to listen that is your call and money. Don't tell other to spend what they don't have to.

Originally Posted by bmwbob89

They don't have any balance. Its a metal rod with a ball and socket. If the ball and socket are worn they make noise. You always do brakes per axle you don't replace front and rear because one axle is worn. Shocks are a little different. If they have more than 30k on them BMW says replace both if not do the one that is leaking. That was warranty criteria. I would always replace both shocks on the axles that were an issue if it was customer pay. I work on BMW's and have for almost 40 years. I know what I am talking about. If you don't want to listen that is your call and money. Don't tell other to spend what they don't have to.

I'm not talking about the links. Just argeeing with Sam on rotors, etc.

Originally Posted by ///MPR77

Exactly, to inspect the other side is half the job of replacing it.

Like I said earlier, to fully inspect the part, it needs to come off IMO, and at that point, why not just replace it, 20-25 extra bucks for peace of mind, and a nice quiet clunk free ride.

I don't think anyone in this thread said that it was imperative to replace both, I know I didn't.

Almost every post said to replace them both. No need to remove them to check them. You pull up and down on them and if there is movement or the boots are torn they need replaced.

Originally Posted by bmwbob89

They don't have any balance. Its a metal rod with a ball and socket. If the ball and socket are worn they make noise. You always do brakes per axle you don't replace front and rear because one axle is worn. Shocks are a little different. If they have more than 30k on them BMW says replace both if not do the one that is leaking. That was warranty criteria. I would always replace both shocks on the axles that were an issue if it was customer pay. I work on BMW's and have for almost 40 years. I know what I am talking about. If you don't want to listen that is your call and money. Don't tell other to spend what they don't have to.

Well if you want to be really cheap just run without front sway bar links.

Throw in some 87 from the no-name gas station and hit up pepboys for some Chinese tires.

I think you may be confused where you are. This is e46 fanatics. Note how it's not called e46 cheapskates or e46 hacks.

Best advice is to replace in pairs. Or sell and buy a chevy.

Originally Posted by Kubica

Well if you want to be really cheap just run without front sway bar links.

Throw in some 87 from the no-name gas station and hit up pepboys for some Chinese tires.

I think you may be confused where you are. This is e46 fanatics. Note how it's not called e46 cheapskates or e46 hacks.

Best advice is to replace in pairs. Or sell and buy a chevy.

though I am running fuzion uhp tires atm