Need a definintive answer, please!

[robdelorenzo]

Hello Forum

I am going to replace both inner & Outer tie rods, front lower control arms, and control arm links.

I have scoured the forums and cannot get a definitive answer as to which bolts need to be torqued under load.



is it #'s 4,5,7,11,12 that all need to be torqued under load?

What about #22?

Can the arms and links be fit into place first, while the car is up on stands?

Then, where is the best place to put the jack and the stands to put the load on these parts to torque them down.

The car is too low to put on the tires and reach up or in.

It's an 02 Base.

This forum fills in the gaps between Wayne's Book and The Bentley.

I am also aware that an alignment will be necessary as well.

Thanks for the help. This doesn't look like too tough of a job, I understand most of the concepts except this part.

[Geof3]

Basically, if it has a rubber bushing, it should be torqued under load. Otherwise, you preload the bushing. Ball joints don’t usually matter (22) Easiest way at home is on ramps, or find a DIY shop with a lift. Or use blocks of some sort under the tires.

[robdelorenzo]

Thanks Geof3
The ramps were the missing part of the puzzle!
This looks completely doable and I'm looking forward to losing that "clunk" sound.
If anyone else wants to chime in with tips, tricks, or words of wisdom, please do.
A sarcastic remark or some humor is welcomed, as well.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by robdelorenzo

Thanks Geof3
The ramps were the missing part of the puzzle!
This looks completely doable and I'm looking forward to losing that "clunk" sound.
If anyone else wants to chime in with tips, tricks, or words of wisdom, please do.
A sarcastic remark or some humor is welcomed, as well.

A decade+ ago I rebuilt the front end on my 86 325es, relying entirely upon a manual, Youtube vids, and the support of the forum I then was frequenting. When I completed that project I drove it to my local indy and had him double check everything including the proper torques. Satisfied with the results of his examination I then had it aligned.

That was 2,000 miles ago.

[Quadcammer]

in my opinion, only 11 and 4 need to be torqued with weight on car.

[Gilles]

I vote for # 4/7/11
:-)

[robdelorenzo]

You guys are the best!
I'll go with 4, 7,11 and it looks like I will get some ramps unless I can use jacks and jackstands instead.
I got The Harbor Freight Inner Tie Rod Tool, the parts, new bolts, and I will use a loaner ball joint separator from AutoZone.
I'm looking forward to this project.
These cars are more of a hobby than mere transportation.
Many smiles for many miles.

[Quadcammer]

the reason I say no to 7 is because there is a flexible joint in there, no a bonded rubber bushing. There is no bind in that joint in my experience.