Replacing Thrust Control arms, drop links, front brakes and pads.

gchristofi · Post by **gchristofi** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 11:52 pm

Hello All

I need to replace the front thrust arms and ball joints (worn), front droplinks and front brake discs and pads. My local independent has agreed that I will supply the parts (probably lemforder / pagid from ECP but suggestions welcome) and has quoted £250 + vat to complete said work.

I think he works of 45+ vat labour rate so around 5 and a bit hours. Does this sound like the right ballpark?

Any other tips on choosing parts welcome too.

Thanks

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 11:00 am

Front discs and pads won't take more than about an hour (maybe 1.5 hours at a push). I replaced my front thrust arms and balljoints in about 2 hours as its not a massive job in all fairness.

gchristofi · Post by **gchristofi** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 1:30 pm

[quote="Raj"]
Front discs and pads won't take more than about an hour (maybe 1.5 hours at a push). I replaced my front thrust arms and balljoints in about 2 hours as its not a massive job in all fairness.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info Raj. I suppose that puts things at around 4 hours so maybe it's a little on the high side then. I have read that he ball joints can be a pig on some jobs. Did you need any special tools? Which make of parts did you buy?

I suppose the other question I'm asking myself is would I be able to do this on the driveway with trolley jacks / stands and how many hours would it before I regretted not paying the Indy!!

)

IanP · Post by **IanP** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 2:06 pm

At this time of year I would pay the money

. Just done oil and brake service on mine and had to dodge the rain. Gave up in the end and just lay in the puddles

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 4:37 pm

[quote="gchristofi"]
[quote="Raj"]
Front discs and pads won't take more than about an hour (maybe 1.5 hours at a push). I replaced my front thrust arms and balljoints in about 2 hours as its not a massive job in all fairness.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info Raj. I suppose that puts things at around 4 hours so maybe it's a little on the high side then. I have read that he ball joints can be a pig on some jobs. Did you need any special tools? Which make of parts did you buy?

I suppose the other question I'm asking myself is would I be able to do this on the driveway with trolley jacks / stands and how many hours would it before I regretted not paying the Indy!!

)
[/quote]

I bought the thrust arms and balljoints from GSF. Can't remember the make but went with the more expensive parts for sure.

As for tools, I had the use of a ball joint separator tool (which did help).

I'm also lucky that I have a garage to work in as working outside on the drive is not good in this weather. If it were the middle of summer I would say its a definite DIY on the drive for sure (or atleast would have said give it a go to save yourself some money).

gchristofi · Post by **gchristofi** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 9:22 pm

Might just put up with slight vibration until spring! Thanks again for info.

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 9:36 pm

pretty easy diy job, if you havnt a garage borrow one for the day! you dont need a ball joint seperator, just remove the nut from the top (if it wont put a trolley jack under it to push on it) then hit the side of the bit the joint goes through (the piece with the hole) sharply with a hammer and the joint will drop down, DO NOT hit the threaded bit!! you can also save money as the upper arm is available for a fraction of the price as bush only to press into the existing arm, this can be done with a vice or a garage should take 15 min or so, it makes them around £15 a side

gchristofi · Post by **gchristofi** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:30 am

I might consider doing this myself then if I have a moment of insanity and the weather looks reasonable on a day off! Just trying to decide between lemforder and Meyle HD for the arms. Lemforder appear to be the OEM supplier but the Meyle HD are getting some pretty good write ups. Anyone tried the latter and been running them a few years?

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 12:22 pm

[quote="gchristofi"]
I might consider doing this myself then if I have a moment of insanity and the weather looks reasonable on a day off! Just trying to decide between lemforder and Meyle HD for the arms. Lemforder appear to be the OEM supplier but the Meyle HD are getting some pretty good write ups. Anyone tried the latter and been running them a few years?
[/quote]

I ran Meyle wishbones on my 330d and was pleased with the quality, etc. if they are cheaper than Lemforder then go with them tbh.

gchristofi · Post by **gchristofi** » Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:22 pm

[quote="Raj"]

I ran Meyle wishbones on my 330d and was pleased with the quality, etc. if they are cheaper than Lemforder then go with them tbh.
[/quote]

They're pretty much exactly the same price.... makes decision more difficult!

. pretty sure either will be ok though.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Tue Nov 27, 2012 11:20 pm

[quote="gchristofi"]
[quote="Raj"]

I ran Meyle wishbones on my 330d and was pleased with the quality, etc. if they are cheaper than Lemforder then go with them tbh.
[/quote]

They're pretty much exactly the same price.... makes decision more difficult!

. pretty sure either will be ok though.
[/quote]

Either or, tbh then. Just go with whichever is actually cheaper as personally think both are on par with each other.

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