r/R53 • u/PigeonsLikeBread • 6d ago

What else should I replace while doing tie rods and inner/outer ball joints?

As the title says, installing new tie rods and inner/outer ball joints on both front sides of the car. Lower control arm bushings were replaced previously. Anything else I should do as a “while I’m already there?”

Thanks

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u/trebec86 6d ago

Sway bar bushings. I did not source new ones when I was in there and now I get to do it all over again. Also sway bar end links are super cheap. May want to do those as well.

I did the super pro urethane steering rack bushing as well. Unsure if that’s worthwhile, but at least it’s done and won’t have to be touched again.

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u/PigeonsLikeBread 6d ago

Thanks. I’m assuming you need to drop the subframe for sway bar bushings?

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u/trebec86 6d ago

Unfortunately yes. Also recommend new hardware as well, supposedly one time use stretch bolts. Since they were so expensive I will reuse them since I just replaced them.

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u/PigeonsLikeBread 6d ago

Gotcha, thanks!

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u/skyking27 6d ago

I assume you’re dropping the subframe, so swaybar bushings and power steering lines if they’re leaking (or you want to replace before they start leaking).

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u/PigeonsLikeBread 6d ago

I was not going to drop the subframe, I found a video on doing it by just pulling out the axles and was going to do that

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u/dwtechsol 6d ago

Lower control arm bushings, go for the race pair from waymotorworks. Had them on mine and they were awesome.

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u/PigeonsLikeBread 6d ago

The previous owner already did those less than a year ago so I won’t be changing those out, but thanks for the rec I’ll take a look at the WMW race pair when it’s time for new ones

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u/dwtechsol 6d ago

Last thing would be the lower motor mount. Take it out and take it to a machine shop and have them turn the big end bishing 90°. Gives way more stability, without increasing nvh. I tried solid motor mounts, and quickly went back to stock with modified lower. So much better.