Wishbone bushings

[E21noob]

I am replacing all the bushings on front and rear subframes with polys from strongflex.

For the front wishbone, the set I got has new bushings replacing part numbers 10 and 16 in the pic below.



My question is, is it possible to replace the rubber in the end bit of the wishbone that the strut assembly attaches to (directly below part 14)?

Thanks again guys.

[Jeroen]

Not a problem, the average car parts store should have universal replacement dust covers for these balljoints

[E21noob]

Balljoint! Thats the word I was looking for! (not the tie rod though) I was thinking about how to replace this, without replacing the entire wishbone, as it is not listed as a seperate part..

[Jeroen]

That is correct and you can't get them from BMW, but enough alternatives, like:
http://www.balljointboot.co.uk/ball-joi ... -packs.php
http://dustboots.com/ball_joint_boots/eng.html

[E21noob]

Ah cool! So it's just the boot I need to replace? Is there nothing inside the joint, under the boot?

[nas80]

its full of grease mate.

[E21noob]

Thanks man ... I'm getting there, learing as I go

[E21noob]

One of the tack rod ends didn't make it so they need replacing.

Any difference in quality between this and BMW OG parts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400411373074?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[Jeroen]

No known real quality issues with QH afaik, but in general this cheaper stuff just doesn't last as long as OEM.

[E21noob]

Thanks J

[E21noob]

Got everything off and ordered some new dust caps.

However I came to damage the rim that holds the dust cap slightly, whilst hammering the fork.

Will it matter?

I've got a pic but cant figure out how to add them from my ipad.

[Jeroen]

No problem the way I interpret it!

[E21noob]

Thanks J - I hope your right

When I move the balljoint around as far as it will go against the hole, I can feel the uneven caused by my hammering. But I guess these never make contact when in use?

Here's a pic:

[Jeroen]

You did a thorough job mate

Highly unlikely it will ever touch that outside, think I'd refit it if I was in your shoes

[E21noob]

As you know, these f*ckers really get stuck in there It gave easily after thoroughly heating up the strut with a blow torch, but by then the damage was already done

Yeah, I'll refit it and see. I am sure garages end up doing this all the time without informing clients.

Do I just fill the dust cap with grease and slide it on?