I had an amateur mechanic install control arms and powerflex bushings for me a few thousand miles ago, and now I read here that they need to be tightened with the tires on the ground.

1. Can I have them loosened, weighted and tightened now to reduce the risk of damage? Can that be done on ramps?

2. If so, which nuts/bolts have to be loosened? Specifically, I think one was really hard to get to and maybe one was a large size head that I don't currently have.

Thanks for your quick response - I am driving out of town this morning.:ouch:

Doesn't apply to the E46 front control arms. The process for tightening when on the ground apples to bushings that are squeezed in place by the mounting bolts. Rear suspension yes, front suspension no.

The OEM control Arm bushing is keyed, thus only has one orientation being on the ground, or not. Believe the powerflex has a slip bushing and can turn freely anyway.

That makes me feel better. Other posts have been saying that the new ball joints will be ruined because everything was tightened up with suspension drooping. I was scared I would be revisiting this expense soon.