Do front bushings need to be replaced in pairs for both sides or one side?

[thinkpad240]

My driver's side bushing sounds like it needs to be replaced. When I go over a speed bump(mound), the driver side tends to make a thunk metallic sound, that wasn't there before. The front passenger side goes over the bump without a sound. If it is the bushing, which need to be visually verified ( and which I have not replaced before since I got the car about 30k miles ago), I thought you can replace one side at a time and not both?

Thanks.

[John in VA]

You (often) don't know what parts were replaced before you purchased the car. Perhaps a single control arm & bushing were done previously due to a collision, off-road incident or monster pothole. It's a good idea to do them both at the same time. If they're original they're the same age/mileage. The outer shoulder of the road is more likely in bad shape vs. the inside lane, so passenger side components can be more worn. Our pampered one-owner 328i exhibited worn front lower control arm bushings at 40k miles.

Is it the bushing or ball joint that's making noise? Are the sway bar links tight? They often transmit noise when loose.

[AWhiteZHP]

Assuming you're referring to the front control arm bushings, it's silly not to replace them in pairs. They're pretty cheap and can be replaced in 30 minutes if you know what you're doing. Part of BMW's FCAB procedure requires you leave the car undisturbed for some hours in order to let the bushings relax. Personally, I feel this is unnecessary as long as your orientation is correct. Use dish soap to aid in installation as it will dry to a powder.

[Oli77]

I have done it both ways.

The guy who took care of my car did one at a time. I was OK with it, then I did the other side like 6 months later.

When i was the one doing the job, I did both fronts.

Couldn't tell that either way made a difference.

[az3579]

Do them in pairs and align the car once. Doing any other way is just going to cost you more in the long run.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[thinkpad240]

I replace a set(both side) of bushing for the control arms. I was shown the one driver's side bushing located nearest the middle of the car has worn. Just as I expected. My steering wheel behaves like it supposed to; solid and without shaking.

[GeorgeH]

Do them in pairs and align the car once. Doing any other way is just going to cost you more in the long run.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

This. And I don't even think you can get a quality bushing in anything less than in pairs?