How to remove Front lower ball joints

[mikem]

In the process of replacing suspension arms and balljoints but can't get the front lower ball joint to move.

I've split the arm from it fairly easy and removed the two torx bolts holding the balljoint in but it's absolutely stuck solid. It's difficult to hit from above as the CV boot is there and you can only chisel around one lug which has now snapped off.

Surely there must be an easier way than a BFH ?

Never, ever again 

[amacman]

Are you trying to remove part number 15 http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?mod ... g=31&fg=05

A slide hammer is the bmw special tool .
If you have access to TIS the repair document number is 31 12 026 .  A bit of a faff to find it if it won`t link direct with that number so here is the path from the start .
Enter chassis number or vehicle type and once vehicle is identified click on "document" box at lower right of page .
Click on repair instructions which will open another menu then click on front axle then front subframe then click arrow at lower right of page .
You will now be on document 31 11 001 "replace front axle carrier"  , Scroll down and click on "remove tension struts from front axle carrier" , document 31 12 080 .
click on "remove guide joint"document 31 12 026 .

Try a lot of wd40

I have a pdf and no idea how to add it to this post .

[davesavage257]

This is a complete pig of a job, I've heard stories of the slide hammer just pulling the ball out of the housing!
I ended up taking the hub carrier off the car, taking the driveshaft out, soaking it for 24 hours in penetrant, then pushing out the balljoint from the driveshaft side. Good luck!

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

[mikem]

Thanks guys, I'm going to try and reassemble it as best I can and limp it to my Indy - threads are now damaged on the balljoint shaft though so getting the nut on is going to be fun  :'(

For anyone else thinking of DIYing the arm, don't us a pitch fork separator as it'll damage the balljoint and if the balljoint does needs replacing let a garage do it - it really is a pig of a job !!!!

[centurion]

hi... out of curiosity which parts did you go for (OEM/cheap eBay stuff for Meyle/Lemforder)?

I need to change my front lower arms and was thinking of going for Meyle... and on top of that i'm also in dilemma should I replace all items (think 4 in total per side) or just lower arms.

[kkx5]

[quote="davesavage257"]
This is a complete pig of a job, I've heard stories of the slide hammer just pulling the ball out of the housing!
I ended up taking the hub carrier off the car, taking the driveshaft out, soaking it for 24 hours in penetrant, then pushing out the balljoint from the driveshaft side. Good luck!
Same as
Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto
[/quote]

[mikem]

[quote="centurion"]
hi... out of curiosity which parts did you go for (OEM/cheap eBay stuff for Meyle/Lemforder)?

I need to change my front lower arms and was thinking of going for Meyle... and on top of that i'm also in dilemma should I replace all items (think 4 in total per side) or just lower arms.
[/quote]

Centurion, I went with the Lemforder stuff just because I was able to collect on the day from ECPs, if I was buying in advance I probably wouldv`e gone with the Meyle HD stuff from eBay and saved £80 or so.

I`ve asked the Indy to do the other 2 arms while its there now - so yeah 4 in total but as above, if the balljoints need replacing as well, its not an easy job.

[AVI-8]

Hi, Removing a seized balljoint is a bitch of a job, did mine last summer ... It's definitely a summer job unless you've a large heated garage!

I did a post on here of my problems Here's the link: http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/https://xdr ... ic.php?t=9
If yours are stuck you'll need to buy some specialist tools, better still save yourself the grief and take it to a garage, I would have done but got past the stage of no return!

[mikem]

[quote="AVI-8"]
Hi, Removing a seized balljoint is a bitch of a job, did mine last summer ... It's definitely a summer job unless you've a large heated garage!

I did a post on here of my problems Here's the link: http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/https://xdr ... ic.php?t=9
If yours are stuck you'll need to buy some specialist tools, better still save yourself the grief and take it to a garage, I would have done but got past the stage of no return!
[/quote]

Agreed mate, thankfully I managed to get it back together (of a fashion) and limp to the Indy. He ended up removing the driveshafts to get better access. Nightmare of a job.

Collected the car today, huge difference.

[Steve1312]

For those who are attempting this, you will need to remove the arm obviously then the torx bolts and steering arm ball joint to allow more room, spray of penetrating fluid and an air chisel preferably go in from both sides at the top then the lugs where the torx bolts were and it shud twist a little at least to free of the seized and rusted areas, re connect the arm apply a long lever bar above the arm under the car body on subframe or a strong stable area underneath and with somebody standing on the bar causing pressure downwards on the ball joint attack the top with the air chisel and hey presto!! My 1st side took 2hrs start to finish using a hammer and chisel, the 2nd took 25-30 mins using an air chisel.