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Stabilizer link replacement

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24K views 31 replies 9 participants last post by  acenasir  
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#1 · (Edited)
Hi all,
I drive a 2002 Bmw 530i and my mechanic realized that the right stabilizer link was broken and need to be replaced. Do I need to replace both front stabilizer link. He told me that the labor will be $80 for both sides and $50 for one which is broken. Is this possible for me to DIY. What tools do I need and what parts(stabilizer link and if anything else goes with it) I need. Where can I get all this for cheap. :)
 
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#2 · (Edited)
I think your mechanic probably referred to Swaybar EndLinks (aka Stabilizer Link). Definitely a DIY item, not too hard.

In this Strut Job, you can see it:
http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/front_struts_procedure.htm

Here it is:
Image


By the time the Swaybar Endlinks go, the rest of the Front Suspension go soon (Struts, Guide, Tierods, Control/Thrust Arms), so it may be better to do the complete Front End Suspension Overhaul.

Anyway, if you ONLY want to do the Swaybar Endlinks, then:
- Jack up BOTH front ends with Jackstands (Jacking ONLY one side at a time makes removing the Swaybar Endlinks very difficult!!! Don't ask how I know, so always jack up both sides).
- Watch the new Swaybar Endlinks' Rubber Boots and don't damage it. Use a thin 16-mm wrench to hold the FLAT sides of the bolt to prevent it from turning, again taking care not to damage the Rubber Boot!

Image


Image


- And Yes replace both sides, and use only OEM or Lemforder or TRW. Any other brand will bring you back in that area in one year!
 

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#5 · (Edited)
Karlyn $16/each.
Lemforder $30/each.

If you plan to sell your car in one year, then use Karlyn.
If you plan to keep your baby for 5 more years, then Lemforder.
It is only $14 difference.

PS: Karlyn always advertises: "engineered to German standard" etc. etc. but the truth is Karlyn outsourced some company in Taiwan (or nearby) to do these parts. I bought some Karlyn endlinks for my 1998 Volvo V70 but after finding out their marketing tactic, I promtly returned the Karlyn Endlinks, simply because my time is so precious (family, work, kids etc.), and once I do any job, I do not want to go back doing it in one year. Lemforder is OEM and is worth the extra $14 IMHO.
 
#16 · (Edited)
cn90 said:
Karlyn $16/each.
Lemforder $30/each.

If you plan to sell your car in one year, then use Karlyn.
[/B]
Click to expand...
I hate posts like this!
It's the corporate BMW way of thinking!

It's basically saying, I will put some crap on the vehicle now, or I will not fix anything, then let the next owner worry about it and get screwed...

Fail!

cn90 said:
If you plan to keep your baby for 5 more years, then Lemforder.
It is only $14 difference.
Click to expand...
That's better!
However, my way of thinking is installing Lemfoerder/ OEM or nothing at all...
 
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#10 ·
If I had the skills like you Mark I would have been answering the posts and not asking the questions. My skill level is like 2 and I don't know how to do it. I did oil change stuff but I have no idea on this. I have seen some other posts on different issues with very details step by step(pic) what exactly to do so that you won't miss a thing. If some can post something helpful I'll appreciate that.
 
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#12 · (Edited)
In that case, look up BMW E39 Front Brake DIY ss a guide to jack up the car safely, but do NOT remove the caliper b/c you are replacing the Endlinks.
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/ChangingYourBrakePads_files/ChangingBrakePads.htm

Once you have the wheels off, then the Swaybar Endlink is right there.
Use a thin wrench to hold the bolt while you remove the nut.

According to this thread, you can even replace these Swaybar Endlinks with the car on the ground! Simply turn the wheel all the way to one side (For the driver side, turn the wheel all the way to the LEFT):
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65633

HTH

PS: I am doing the Entire Front End Suspension soon, so there will be DIY coming if you can wait.

Also, if you are truly interested in fixing cars, then make some friends with some local mechanics and go to their shop on a Saturday to watch then slowly learn their trade seriously.
 
#24 ·
Every part of my suspension is Lemmy except the sway links. I have been on coil overs for some time now, and have been through 2 sets of lemfoerder sway links. So far my karlyns are holding up great with my stiff suspension but I have only been running them for maybe 6-8 weeks. I wanted to try them and see for myself.

Cheap crap is a bit harsh- maybe the lems are overpriced crap because they cant keep a sway link intact on my 5.
 
#26 ·
Mark@EACTuning said:
Every part of my suspension is Lemmy except the sway links. I have been on coil overs for some time now, and have been through 2 sets of lemfoerder sway links. So far my karlyns are holding up great with my stiff suspension but I have only been running them for maybe 6-8 weeks. I wanted to try them and see for myself.

Cheap crap is a bit harsh- maybe the lems are overpriced crap because they cant keep a sway link intact on my 5.
Click to expand...
What version E39 are you driving, and which coil overs?
 
owns 2001 BMW 540 M-Sport
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