[washufiddyfo]

I have a very slow oil-like drip coming from the control arm by my left front tire. Can anyone help identify a possible source or point me in the right direction?

I have read a lot about the infamous OFHG and this does not seem to be that, as I can't see oil anywhere down the front of the block by the belt, or on the side. For that matter, when looking from the top with the engine cover off, I can't see oil anywhere.

It's just this one spot down underneath, and looking around there, I can see splatter off to the side but it doesn't appear to be dripping down from anywhere.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[3-GT]

That's looks like a hydro bearing. They're filled with fluid, it's most likely perished and leaked.

The bearing is replaceable on its own but I believe most just replace the complete arm.

[Billfitz]

The bearing, #10 in the link, is about $100 less expensive than the control arm, #9 in the link.
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0993

I'd only replace the control arm if it seems that the ball joint is worn.

[washufiddyfo]

Thanks, this place is the best. I thought it had to be coming from inside that spot but know those were lubricated that way. Sounds like my swap back to summers is going to take a little longer than usual this time around.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The bearing, #10 in the link, is about $100 less expensive than the control arm, #9 in the link.
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0993

I'd only replace the control arm if it seems that the ball joint is worn.

As long as you have a press and the right dies, this makes sense. Paying a tech to press out the old bushing and press in the new one is not a good value proposition.

[R BMW]

Dont forget to have it aligned after.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by washufiddyfo

I have a very slow oil-like drip coming from the control arm by my left front tire. Can anyone help identify a possible source or point me in the right direction?

I have read a lot about the infamous OFHG and this does not seem to be that, as I can't see oil anywhere down the front of the block by the belt, or on the side. For that matter, when looking from the top with the engine cover off, I can't see oil anywhere.

It's just this one spot down underneath, and looking around there, I can see splatter off to the side but it doesn't appear to be dripping down from anywhere.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Definitely sounds like fluid leaking from your front Upper Control Arm bearing.

You didn't say which model you have but diagram appears like F3x RWD.

Rather than just fix the stock issue, you have an opportunity to dramatically improve your steering by installing these replacement Upper Control Arms with monoball bearings. They get rid of one of the biggest complaints of the F3x, the vague steering. This is easily in my Top5 mods for any F3x.

Below is the link to RWD version. There is also an xDrive version.

https://www.kiesmotorsports.com/prod...8;_ss=r?aff=22

[washufiddyfo]

I have the X-drive; I just found that image to more easily identify the part from the first pictures as it gets tough to orient yourself with a close-up like that.

I have spent a fair amount of time on the Kies youtube channel but hadn't seen those yet, will have to check them out. And I found the other thread where you were talking about these, figured I might link it here in case anyone sees this down the road and wants to check them out in more detail.

[washufiddyfo]

Well I did it, went ahead with changing both the the VAC monoball so hopefully I never have to worry about it again and improve the driving dymanics at the same time.

Install was great with the video @3-GT shared, not overly difficult assuming the right tools were available. It drove fine to get aligned the next day, and I definitely concur with prior reviews on the tradeoff, feel the road a bit more and the steering has tightened up.