XSeries-forum

Hey, I have a creak from the back suspension, and I want to fit this to hopefully cure it, and freshen up the back end. How hard is it all to fit? And do I need a special tool?

EBay item number 112050977054

constant creak/squeak on the back is usually the rear ball joint (its a rose bush but bmw call it a ball joint)

fairly easy to do but you need the right tool to remove/fit the joint

make sure you release the air suspension pressure before you do it or it becomes a very difficult job and things will not go back together easily

Is it possible to do without the tool?

i tried with the wrong tool and i failed .... so in my opinion no
but i've read of people making tools up to do the job

btw if you replace all the components you'll need to get 4 wheel tracking done

Hmmmm....may have a look and see if I can Jimmy it out someway without. Don't like spending money if I don't have to lol )

LOLOLOL yeah the proper bush tool is expensive

I did mine recently, looked, thought, yea I can knock that out, take Ian's advice, you won't. Luckily I have a very friendly indie and hired the tool for £10. Money well spent. Just as difficult to put the new one in, needs that same tool.

Seen them on eBay for 50 quid, will they work?

252378061561 this one is exactly what I used. ebay

I made up my own from some scrap bits cadged from a local engineering works it did the job fine. As has been said you won't manage without a tool. If you were doing lots then invest in the professional tool. Hopefully once will be enough.

Definitely get the tool or have one made based on a balljoint that you buy. The critical area is where the wheel carrier gets really close to the top of the balljoint - the tool must have a notch or flat so it seats correctly.
I used some penetrating oil, but even then after eleven years the tool needed a lot of force. Get a small brass rotary brush to clean the corrosion from the inside of the wheel carrier too.