From a past post I unwittingly installed '81 633 struts in my 528i, thinking all front suspension parts were the same. No harm done, 535's came with them, or the slightly larger spindle outside end that needs the larger inside diameter front wheel bearing.
From close visual inspection I see no spindle, hub or bearing race damage. If that's generally the case, to usually only need the inner seal and new bearings, I'll search for a good source for that simple repair kit.
If the prevailing wisdom is to have the spindle professionally checked, new hub, races, bearings professionally installed...I'm seeking opinions.
Need E24, 535 front wheel bearings.
The struts/spindles are not the same for e12,e24. Different realoem.com part numbers and they mean it. Any aftermarket suppliers using the same part number, stand by for extra fun.
The wheel hubs are the same part numbers. The trick is, e12 and e24's use different bearings AND races.
If your wheel bearings are good, not making noise, leave the hub on the strut. Carefully clean around it not to power crud the seal or bearings.
If you choose to update the front wheel bearings buy the proper kit and have a professional shop install the races. Maybe the inner bearing and seal, but I didn't find it too difficult.
After fooling around for two weeks of stupid monkey business inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, testing bearings NOT making noise, the kits and races are the answer. Mike is right as usual, you can't see the crunchy noises.[/i]
The wheel hubs are the same part numbers. The trick is, e12 and e24's use different bearings AND races.
If your wheel bearings are good, not making noise, leave the hub on the strut. Carefully clean around it not to power crud the seal or bearings.
If you choose to update the front wheel bearings buy the proper kit and have a professional shop install the races. Maybe the inner bearing and seal, but I didn't find it too difficult.
After fooling around for two weeks of stupid monkey business inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, testing bearings NOT making noise, the kits and races are the answer. Mike is right as usual, you can't see the crunchy noises.[/i]
I believe 77 only US spec E24s are the same as E12s, 630s, not 633s. Not many of them left at all.
Mike W.
02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.
02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.