X5 E70 track rod end - Apec, Moog, Febi?

[Treeri]

Greetings,

The track rod ends of my X5 are immobilised, preventing adjustments to the tracking and alignment; thus, I have opted to buy replacement assemblies for both the left and right sides.

I could not get the whole assembly produced by Febi, therefore I acquired the inner ends separately for the track rod ends.
While the inner rods manufactured by Febi were readily available, there seems to be a supply constraint of the ends, resulting in difficulty in sourcing them. Ultimately, one vendor sent me a Moog instead, having first asked whether I was OK to that substitution. Moog seemed to possess comparable, if not superior, quality than Febi, hence I consented to acquire them.

nonetheless, the second vendor delayed shipping the last item for about a week, and I have now got it; nonetheless, it is Apec.I had enquired about the stock availability of Febi components, but they did not respond and showed little interest in offering alternate options. I contend that Apec is inferior than Febi or Moog; nevertheless, I am unable to locate any evaluations or comments about Apec suspension or steering components.

Has anybody among you ever installed an Apec track rod end? If affirmative, how do you see it? I have an appointment for wheel alignment on Friday; but, if I choose to return it, I will not be able to get another appointment in time, which causes me to pause at now.

[johnnyb44]

I would only choose Lemforder for my vehicle. I attempted to use Febi, but they did not last for a year on my E91. Additionally, they were supplied with un-flanged lock nuts, which would harm the aluminium hub if installed at the proper torque.

Purchasing inexpensive options may need doing the task twice, including a second alignment. In my view, the expense and labour of installing substandard components are unjustifiable.

[Treeri]

I am reluctant to install the Apec track rod end due to my apprehensions over its reliability.
I conducted prior research, and both Moog and Febi had favourable reviews. Possibly superior to Meyle, although inferior to Lemforder.

Following the installation of the Moog track rod end and the completion of electrical repairs on the vehicle, the battery was disconnected. Subsequently, the steering wheel angle was calibrated by rotating the steering wheel left and right before reconnecting the battery. Upon departing this morning, the traction control indicator momentarily illuminated, causing me some concern; nevertheless, I continued driving since it was really a brief flash. Regrettably, upon halting at the subsequent traffic lights, I encountered a persistent signal and received a notification on the iDrive system indicating that the traction control and xDrive were disabled. The steering wheel rotated 45 degrees to the right, prompting me to conclude that I would return home. I used the alternative vehicle and proceeded to work immediately due to my tardiness; nonetheless, I am curious about the real events that transpired. I will return home in the evening, at which point I will do diagnostics and perform a visual inspection of the automobile.

I believe the steering wheel angle calibration is not the issue, since I performed it after reconnecting the battery, resulting in the disappearance of the light and warning message. It did not manifest immediately upon activating the ignition today, but rather after a little interval. Is it possible that the issue lies with the track rod end assembly?

[Treeri]

The Febi track rod ends for the E70 have flanged nuts, similar to the originals; however, I recalled that the Moog component I previously installed was accompanied with a regular nut.I still own the previous one, therefore I might replace only the nut if it significantly impacts performance.

Discovered a Lemforder component that has the same nut as the original; however, it is produced in Malaysia. Shouldn't these parts be manufactured in Germany?

[Treeri]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/249764758?iid=335384134347

[johnnyb44]

What do you mean by a 45-degree rotation?

Lemforder produces identical components used by BMW. I would have fitted it the same as below, provided yours is that model.

[johnnyb44]

The issue I encountered with the febi nut was its tendency to embed itself into the aluminium hub, making it quite challenging to get the necessary torque when tightening, since it just penetrates the alloy. I filed a complaint with febi, and they sent a design engineer to assess the situation and provide compensation.

[Treeri]

It lost its alignment and was orientated 45 degrees to the right while proceeding straight.

I will attempt to get it from a local retailer, possibly. I believe it is preferable to use Meyle or Febi manufactured in Germany, particularly since the nut resembles the original equipment component, rather than opting for Lemforder produced in Asia.

[johnnyb44]

Your tracking is very inaccurate if it is exhibiting such behaviour. You have not coiled the ends with the appropriate number of turns; I advise not driving it until you get it aligned, as you may damage your front tires.

The origin of the part is uncertain; nonetheless, the corporation operates globally, with the majority of its components manufactured in Germany.

[Treeri]

Indeed, I am aware. I am scheduled for alignment on Friday, so I will refrain from driving it until that time. I have purchased the additional track rod end from a nearby retailer and will have it tomorrow. I also purchased Moog, so we will see...If they last for a year or more, I am agreeable, since I must rectify the alignment promptly due to its poor condition since the acquisition of the vehicle.

I replaced both bushings in the lower wishbones of the rear axle due to deterioration. Additionally, the upper wishbone, drop link, and lower rear control arm on the offside front have been replaced. Underwent an alignment thereafter, however they said that they could not alter the camber to the appropriate specifications. They were unable to address the front due to the track rod ends being seized. Consequently, I intended to repair the whole system on both sides and also had the bushings substituted in the wheel carriers at the rear axle, as I suspected they may be responsible for poor camber.

I also changed all four tires with a pair of Pirelli * rated tires, so I do not want to squander them.

I will seek alignment services elsewhere, and if they are similarly unable to assist, I will terminate my relationship with BMW directly.

[johnnyb44]

According to Quickfit, my rear camber bolts are seized; however, I believe they were attempting to release the nuts by rotating them in the incorrect direction. The poor camber on the wheel was due to a defective lower ball joint, and upon its replacement, the camber was perfectly aligned without further modification. What is the extent of the camber deviation?

[Treeri]

I cannot recall it at the moment, but it was well below expectations.
I first visited Kwik Fit, where I was informed that the components were seized; however, after the use of WD-40 and an impact wrench, they began to move. However, a difficulty arose with one of them when the lower arm was detached, necessitating the cutting of the bolt and the installation of a new one. The other remains the original bolt, but I suppose there is no need to replace it if it is functional?

Are you referring to the lower ball joint located in the wheel carrier? Or those two in the inferior wishbone?

 

[johnnyb44]

It should be OK if it shifts; they informed me that they did not want to break mine but only attempted to use a spanner.

The lower ball joint in the wheel carrier caused the camber misalignment, but no play was detectable during inspection.

[Treeri]

I got them changed last Sunday, and I hope it will enough. If not, I suppose the next step is to address the upper control arms. Additionally, I will get the whole component for the opposite front end tomorrow, so adjusting the tracking should not pose a problem.

I am only focused on the angle of the steering wheel.

[johnnyb44]

On my E91, the rear arrangement is simpler; my trailing arm attaches to a single ball joint at the wheel carrier. Upon examining your component, it seems that link part no. 6 contains bushings.

[Treeri]

I was uncertain whether to get the major bushes individually or the whole assembly, since the link component seemed to be intact, exhibiting no play. The rubber is not deteriorated, therefore we shall observe the outcome with simply the bushes replaced.

Some individuals have difficulties in adjusting the camber despite having changed the top control arms; nonetheless, I prefer not to incur substantial expenses until absolutely necessary.