So, not too long ago, I took the E82 in for an alignment at my local tire shop (I didn't feel like going through the hassle of string aligning it). I had just replaced quite a few suspension components, to include putting in a brand new set of endlinks. When they aligned it, they found that one of the brand new endlinks had literally snapped:
^^^Not that it's relevant, but I'm pretty sure I know right when it happened (literally, as soon as I pulled out of my driveway right after they were installed).
I digress.
So, they aligned the car into spec that day and it seemingly drives just fine. I replaced the endlink not too long after (FCP Euro shipped me a new one overnight, free of charge). This one managed not to snap.
My question is: would having the endlink essentially not connected effect the alignment? For reference, the only thing adjustable on the front end is toe. My assumption is that it should not affect the alignment, but I figured I would check with the hivemind before I wasted time or mental energy. Would you get the alignment re-checked after replacing the endlink, or assume it's probably fine?
It could. With it broken, it was aligned with the sway bar is essentially disconnected. When you replaced the endlink, if it put tension on the swaybar, it could change how the suspension is sitting which could change the alignment.
if you have the car at ride height and can remove and replace the end link with no binding or need to move the sway bar, then it's probably fine.
If so, you could put adjustable end links in to achieve a neutral static sway bar setting which would preserve your alignment.
dps214
SuperDork
8/1/24 10:40 a.m.
Technically yes but the effect, especially on the toe, is effectively zero unless BMW designed the suspension with a crazy amount of bump steer which I really doubt.
No, not by any meaningful amount. Unless something is bent any preload that's applied is going to be significantly less than that caused by varying the number and mass of vehicle occupants.
I'm with APEowner on this.
In NASCAB we set camber. caster, and toe with the front bar set at 0 preload.
Driver is not in the car
Granted, a 3,200 # taxi cab is typically making let turns, so ............................
Good luck
Technically, yes if the bar had plenty of preload on it for some weird reason.
Practically, no.
