Control Arm Questions

[triumphbc]

I am hearing a clunking noise from my front suspension any time I hit even minor bumps. At 80+mph the car experiences a serious vibration in the front end as well. It sounds like something is just loose, but after a quick look everything seemed to be tight. The car is still somewhat new to me and the owner has had the tie rod ends, ball joints and struts replaced within the past 6 months-1 year. I suspect the problem is coming from a worn control arm bushing as some of her records indicate the bushings were aging, and a lot of other rubber pieces on the car have needed replacing. Does this sound like it could be the problem? If so, I was thinking about replacing the bushings with Uretheyne ones and probably changing the control arms as well (it's the same job and their ball joints are probably getting old too). Why would someone use offset bushings? Does anyone have a good reason not to use Uretheyne bushings? I've heard they provide more precise steering and are more durable than rubber. Also, is there an significant advantage to using aluminum control arms? I know they would reduce the weight of the front end, but am not sure that shaving a couple pounds is worth the extra money. What is the weight savings over stock? Are there other benefits? Anyone have recommendations for my situation?

 

[rjp325i]

The offset control arm bushings improve high speed stability and handling and were used on the E30 M3. Aluminum control arms are lighter. Improvement? Yes if you are into serious racing but you are not likely to see an improvement on the street. When I changed out my control arms, ball joints and bushings I used the M3 bushings. They are far more durable than stock 325i. Urethane bushings are are little firmer and might squeak if not kept lubed. You may or may not like the additional firmness if other spring, strut, sway bar changes are made. I'm using H&R springs, Bilsteins, and Eibach sway bars front and rear and Eibach front strut stress bar. A lot depends on your useage and how much stiffness are you willing to tolerate. Comfort also matters to some of us despite the mods.