[bimmertt]

I'm wondering if both bushings use hydraulic fluid and are prone to leaking. I got the airbag recall done and the dealer said the thrust bushings are leaking. It's unclear to me if that's upper, lower, or both.

[bluewater328]

Upper, toward the front of the car; the larger weird looking ones. It is pretty typical and you can usually see a leak trail on the subframe. Thrust Arm/Tension Struts is also what it's referred to.

If you've never changed them, it's very possible they're worn. That said, it's a VERY typical upsell for a service advisor, so just make sure and ask them to show you (or take a pic). They tried to tell me I needed to change it a week after I installed a new one...I mean, cmon, the damn thing is the only thing sparkling clean under there.

[bimmertt]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Upper, toward the front of the car; the larger weird looking ones. It is pretty typical and you can usually see a leak trail on the subframe. Thrust Arm/Tension Struts is also what it's referred to.

If you've never changed them, it's very possible they're worn. That said, it's a VERY typical upsell for a service advisor, so just make sure and ask them to show you (or take a pic). They tried to tell me I needed to change it a week after I installed a new one...I mean, cmon, the damn thing is the only thing sparkling clean under there.

Thanks, that's what I was hoping. I'm planning on upgrading to the M3 upper control arms and from what I read, I shouldn't need an alignment if that's all i'm changing out.

[SnapCoupe]

Originally Posted by bimmertt

Thanks, that's what I was hoping. I'm planning on upgrading to the M3 upper control arms and from what I read, I shouldn't need an alignment if that's all i'm changing out.

If you upgrade to the M3 control arms, you will need a alignment. The front end will be way out of whack after installation. Also, the main benefit of the M3 control arms is to introduce more negative camber, which would require an alignment regardless.

[ckanderson]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Upper, toward the front of the car; the larger weird looking ones. It is pretty typical and you can usually see a leak trail on the subframe. Thrust Arm/Tension Struts is also what it's referred to.

If you've never changed them, it's very possible they're worn. That said, it's a VERY typical upsell for a service advisor, so just make sure and ask them to show you (or take a pic). They tried to tell me I needed to change it a week after I installed a new one...I mean, cmon, the damn thing is the only thing sparkling clean under there.

That's more the technician but yea