car is unstable when driving, drifting left & right

[capois]

I have a 1995 BMW 318i, lately it's been very unstable, pulling left & right. specially on bumpy road, no matter the speed. Mechanic said the front suspension needs to be replaced and bushings. Price tag: $2500.00. I checked the price only for the left & right suspension & they are under $200.00 and bushings under $100.00. Can I do this project in home garage? Can I just replaced the bushings and not the suspension arms?

[Pirate_copy]

That seems like a very extreme analysis buddy, i would get a second opinion!!

Have you had your tracking checked??

[PhilipWOT]

The bushings can be replaced by the DIY mechanic in his garage, but it is alot of labor, or if your are in the UK, it's alot of labour. Thats why there is such a price difference in the parts alone and the whole job done.

[Pirate_copy]

We spell it LABOUR smartass!!

If you dont like that there are people from other countries on here, why dont you sod off to another forum

Good lad

[PhilipWOT]

We spell it LABOUR smartass!!

If you dont like that there are people from other countries on here, why dont you sod off to another forum

Good lad

LoL!! I know you spell it "labour."
We don't. We dont include the "u" for some unknown reason.
an p.s. I love that people from other countries are on here. I get to learn new words that I've never heard before. I told my girlfriend that my sunroof was "buggered" and she looked at me as if I just told her I was pregnant.

[eclipse]

I told my girlfriend that my sunroof was "buggered" and she looked at me as if I just told her I was pregnant.

LMFAO that so good damn funny

[Bmwcat]

I bought the new parts on-line and had my mechanic install them. I saved substantial money over going to a Stealer. Good luck..:)

[PJBIMMER]

We spell it LABOUR smartass!!

If you dont like that there are people from other countries on here, why dont you sod off to another forum

Good lad

Don't let him get to you Pirate!!..... " Stick and move!! Stick and move!! " (boxing term)
Carry on.....

[philippek]

Have you had your tracking checked??

On this side of the pond I believe we call it alignment. And if your bushings are bad then the car won't hold an alignment.

Bushings are cheap but the labor is what is expensive. And if they recommend replacing control arms then it could get even more expensive.

It is possible to DIY, but bushings and suspension work are a PITA.

[Bimmer_Angel]

Boy, aren't we lucky Pirate to have Roger

For those newer members who have not heard of 'Roger' he is a very dear friend who happens to be an awesome mechanic. He is of the old school. He visits us most mornings for his breakfast or if he is here working on our numerous cars at lunchtime, he gets a bacon sandwich:rofl:

No matter what the problem, what time of day or night, Roger is our Knight in Shining Armour:bow:

His labour charges are so reasonable it is ridiculous. For example, Pirate had a new pusher fan fitted to his M3. A local garage quoted 90 GBP for labour - Roger did it for 16 GBP - how brilliant is that :thumbup:

Mind you, being Pirate's younger brother's godfather helps :)

[Pirate_copy]

Roger is god :bow:

PJ, i know i should ignore him but he is winding me up BIG TIME. I get the feeling he is missing why we are here!

[PJBIMMER]

Roger is god :bow:

PJ, i know i should ignore him but he is winding me up BIG TIME. I get the feeling he is missing why we are here!

I'm sure there is an ignore button somewhere if the problem occurs often enough.

[jtsailjt]

I'm sure there is an ignore button somewhere if the problem occurs often enough.

Exactly, I don't really understand why an offhand comment about the spelling of a word in a different country would tend to wind anyone up, but if his posts bother you, then simply put him on "ignore" and move on without all the "discussion" of his remarks and your feelings about them, which is equally as off the subject as anything he posted.

[Pirate_copy]

That told me!! :rofl:

[1canary]

Boy, aren't we lucky Pirate to have Roger

For those newer members who have not heard of 'Roger' he is a very dear friend who happens to be an awesome mechanic. He is of the old school. He visits us most mornings for his breakfast or if he is here working on our numerous cars at lunchtime, he gets a bacon sandwich:rofl:

No matter what the problem, what time of day or night, Roger is our Knight in Shining Armour:bow:

His labour charges are so reasonable it is ridiculous. For example, Pirate had a new pusher fan fitted to his M3. A local garage quoted 90 GBP for labour - Roger did it for 16 GBP - how brilliant is that :thumbup:

Mind you, being Pirate's younger brother's godfather helps :)

Hey, does Roger do free call out visits, to Doncaster (South Yorkshire, England....for those the other side of the 'pond'):D

[Pirate_copy]

If you make him a coffee and a bacon sandwich, i am sure he will come over :)

[oakley]

Had my bushes replaced on my e36 at the dealer recently and it was cheap as chips (or at least it was pretty reasonable anyways!!) ...Also had the front control arm replaced on the '46 and that wasnt too bad...

[1canary]

If you make him a coffee and a bacon sandwich, i am sure he will come over :)

From Devon to Yorkshire for a coffee and a bacon sarnie???? SOLD:rofl:

[1canary]

Hey, my car pic has appeared, albeit in the wrong place. What did I do? Must have been when I browsed my profile or something.

[Pirate_copy]

Go to USER CP at the top of the page and then click on EDIT AVATAR on the left had side to add the avatar buddy

[efanton]

capois without stating the obvious have you done the folowing checks

is there any play in the steering wheel with the engine turn of?

have you checked your power steering fluid level?

Have you jacked up the front of the car (both of the wheels of the ground) and checked to see if there is any play in the wheels ? trying rocking them from side to side

Do the wheels spin freely?

Is there any rattling or knocking when traveling over uneven surfaces?

[1canary]

Go to USER CP at the top of the page and then click on EDIT AVATAR on the left had side to add the avatar buddy

Thanks for that. I tried this but could not get my picture on, despite ensuring all the criteria had been met. Maybe I need to fork out some subs?

[Pirate_copy]

PM me the pic you want and i will edit it so it goes on buddy :)