1997 BMW 540i Thrust arm bushing

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[~us~ension, Steering and Brakes - General
This section of the manual covers front and rear suspension,
braking and steering systems, and contains wheel, tire and
wheel alignment information and specifications. Also covered
here are the integrated braking and suspension systems in-
cluding
antilock braking (ABS), traction control (ASCIDSC),
and electronic height control (EHC).
Vehicle ride height information is at the end of this repair
group. Alignment information is in
320 Steering and Wheel
Alignment.
Aluminum suspension components
In order to reduce vehicle weight, aluminum suspension com-
ponents are used in some models. A test with a magnet will
easily reveal the metal used. If working with aluminum com-
ponents, be sure to read and follow the cautions below.
CAUTION-
* Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of alumi-
num, do not bring into contact with battery acid.
Do not use wire brushes with brass or iron bristles.
Only use brushes with stainless steel bristles.
Do not expose to flying sparks from
grinding/cutting op-
erations.
Do not subject to steel welding splashes.
Do not expose to temperatures over
80°C (176"F),
even for short periods. Temperatures in painting facili-
ties are not a problem.
The E39 front suspension subframe is used as a rigid mount-
ing platform for the front suspension arms, stabilizer bar and
steering gear.
The suspension arms, known as the lower control arms and
the tension struts (thrust arms), are connected to the
sub-
frame through rubber bushings. The arms are connected to
the steering
knucltles in a double pivot configuration.
Each front strut assembly includes a tubular strut and a coil
spring. The upper strut mount includes a bearing. The lower
end of each strut housing is fitted to the steering knuckle. The
integral wheel bearing and hub are bolted to the steering
Iknucltle.
6-cylinder and V-8 models use different steering systems and
other front suspension components.

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/~ront Susaension
Front suspension arms FRONT SUSPENSION ARMS
Scyllnder models (5251,5281,530i)
Control arms and tension struts are attached to the front sub-
Front suspension arms V-8 models (5401)
frame through rubber bushings and to the steering ltnuckles
by ball joints.
NOTE-
Tension struts are sometimes called thrust arms or thrust
rods.
Control arms or tension struts are sometimes called lower
front arms or lower rear arms.
Inspect ball joints for wear and looseness. lnspect bushings
for wear or fluid
lealts. The ball joint can only be replaced as
part of an entire suspension arm assembly. Some suspen-
sion arm
bushinas are available as re~lacement Darts. Al-
ways replace in pairs
NOTE-
Steering wheel vibration during braking (usually at road
speeds of
50 to 60 m.p.h.) are often causedby faulty suspen-
sion arm bushings, not out-of-true brake rotors.
Some special tools may be required to remove suspension
arms and to replace bushings. Read procedures through be-
fore beginning the job.
Control arm, removing and installing
(6-cylinder models)
- Raise car and remove wheel
Male sure
that the car is firmly supported on jack stands de-
signed for the purpose. Place jack stands underneath struc-
tural chassis points. Do not place jack stands under
suspension
parfs.
Cars equipped with vertical headlight adjustment system:
Disconnect control arm from level sensor.
Remove control arm fasteners (arrows). Lightly tap inner
control arm mounting bolt out of subframe.

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Steerina and Wheel ~lianmentl
Proper handling, stability and driving ease depend upon the
correct alignment of all four wheels. The front axle is aligned
in relation to the rear axle, then the front wheels are aligned in
relation to one another. This is known as a four-wheel or
thrust-axis alignment.
Front and rear alignment specification are given in tables at
the end of this repair group.
BMW E39 cars use a sophisticated multi-link suspension at
the front and rear of the car. Proper alignment requires com-
puterized alignment equipment.
Camber
Front wheel camber is set at the factory and cannot be adjust-
ed. Rear wheel camber is fully adjustable.
Always set rear camber before adjusting toe
Before making rear camber adjustment, install a new rear
control arm mounting nut
(arrow) and tighten.
- Loosen mounting nut one-half to one full turn.
Using eccentric bolt, adjust camber to factory settings.
Tighten nut only after car has been lowered to ground and
suspension has settled.
Tighten nut while counterholding adjustment bolt.
Tightening torque
Camber adjusting nut (rear)
MI2 (sedan)
- MI4 (Sport Wagon)
115 Nm (85 ft-lb)
174 Nm (128 ft-lb)
Caster
Front and rear caster are fixed by the design of the car and
deviations are usually the result of worn or damaged suspen-
sion or body parts.
- Check front suspension arms and bushings for wear, dam-
age and deformation if front caster problems are present.
- Check rear axle subfrarne and traction struts if rear caster
problems are present.