CREAKING FROM REAR AXLE - BALL JOINT REPLACED

gobiman · Post by **gobiman** » Sat May 21, 2011 5:30 pm

Had my 4.8iS in for service at Indy (Specialist Cars in Shrewsbury). Asked them to look at a badly creaking/squeeking rear axle. Fully expected it to be the dreaded rear bushes (covered extensively on this forum) and they ordered them in ready. However as it turned out, it was a ball joint which was duly replaced. As it was considerably cheaper I was delighted.
Also I was very impressed with their approach, honesty and professionalism. An oil service, new pollen filter, fitting supplied LED lights and replacing the ball joint came to just over Â£300 all in which I thought was very reasonable.
Maybe I'm just cynical but I suspect many garages (and main dealers) would simply have replaced the bushes and I would have been none the wiser and considerably poorer.
I live in London but use Specialist Cars for both X5 and Z1 - my Mother lives in Shrewsbury so combine it with visits.
It's not flash premises but I'd thoroughly recommend them for anyone in the area.

ITBarbie · Post by **ITBarbie** » Sat May 21, 2011 7:54 pm

Hi

That's really useful info and thanks for posting. I'm glad you got a result. It's always comforting to hear that not everyone is trying it on. Mines going for an MOT on Tuesday and it looks like I will have to dip my hand in my pocket as they reckon the front offside shock needs replacing

Do you notice the difference in driving it now or have you not got it back yet?

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IanP · Post by **IanP** » Sun May 22, 2011 3:37 am

[quote=""ITBarbie""]Hi

That's really useful info and thanks for posting. I'm glad you got a result. It's always comforting to hear that not everyone is trying it on. Mines going for an MOT on Tuesday and it looks like I will have to dip my hand in my pocket as they reckon the front offside shock needs replacing

Do you notice the difference in driving it now or have you not got it back yet?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/quote]

Take it you will be replacing both front shocks at the same time?

ITBarbie · Post by **ITBarbie** » Sun May 22, 2011 8:41 am

Yep I've been told that's best

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gobiman · Post by **gobiman** » Sun May 22, 2011 10:07 am

To be honest, didn't notice any difference driving but car was increasingly sounding like a horse and cart over anything rougher than smooth tarmac.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu May 26, 2011 11:26 pm

I've got the same issue with the creaking rear ball joint. I've actually got the genuine tool to do the job but just waiting to get the X5 back first so i can then replace both. I'm only in Wolves so you should pop through on the way to Shrewsbury.

gobiman · Post by **gobiman** » Fri May 27, 2011 7:32 pm

Raj,
Thanks for the kind offer but all now sorted by the guys in Shrewsbury!

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Mon May 30, 2011 10:21 pm

[quote=""gobiman""]Raj,
Thanks for the kind offer but all now sorted by the guys in Shrewsbury![/quote]

I realised that buddy, just meant pop by when your heading past this way again as it's always good to meet up with fellow members.

Black X5 · Post by **Black X5** » Mon May 30, 2011 10:55 pm

Raj, when doing the lower ball joint, its also worth checking the upper arm ball joint as well (when i replaced them on mine, i did these at the same time as they were also worn- but crucially not making any noise!). Oh and the tool may need a little persuasion with a hide hammer, just to crack the 'seal' on the corroded circlip!

Im in Brum, just give me a shout if you need any more info!

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 11:51 pm

[quote=""Black X5""]Raj, when doing the lower ball joint, its also worth checking the upper arm ball joint as well (when i replaced them on mine, i did these at the same time as they were also worn- but crucially not making any noise!). Oh and the tool may need a little persuasion with a hide hammer, just to crack the 'seal' on the corroded circlip!

Im in Brum, just give me a shout if you need any more info![/quote]

Cheers for the info. There's a pretty good how to guide I've got saved which mentions a little bit of tapping to release the initial stickiness of the ball joint. Thanks again and nice to know yet another midlander around.

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