Inner ball joint removal help

TX_Bullet · 12-13-2010, 09:41 PM

Well this job was more difficult than I thought. I took the nut of and smacked the side quite a bit hoping for it to pop out.

I have to wonder if its pressed and/or I have to remove the control arm just to replace the inner ball joint.

lotar_6 · 12-14-2010, 04:56 AM

I've not done this job yet, but maybe try a ball joint separator tool? Or maybe a pickle fork?

if all else fails... a BFH

Kubica · 12-14-2010, 07:01 AM

Can you remove the two bolts holding it to the subframe?

TX_Bullet · 12-14-2010, 07:57 AM

Easily......I'm thinking a gear puller may help push it off. Pickle fork wont work
I'm assuming you just draw it through the control arm when putting it back together

Kubica · 12-14-2010, 09:59 AM

I think you should be able to use a prybar to get it out once the two bolts holding it to the subframe and one nut holding it to the control arm are off.

If that doesn't work, disconnect the FCAB carrier from the subframe too and that should give you room.

TX_Bullet · 12-14-2010, 06:23 PM

Lucky for me I have powerflex fcabs so the CA will just pull out. I'm also thinking the 175k on my car isn't helping

TiAgXi · 12-14-2010, 07:24 PM

125k miles here and to get my outer joints off I used a pickle fork. I had to hammer the crap out of it to make it work though.

athayer187 · 12-14-2010, 07:43 PM

I'd use one of the screw type separators - they're the most efficient when there's clearance and also would not subject the other ball joint to any harsh loading. Additionally, make sure that the ball joint mounting points are clear of the subframe, one side uses a sleeve to help center the holes to the subframe. This may be constraining the ball joint as you're trying to hammer it out.

TX_Bullet · 12-14-2010, 08:27 PM

I actually came across a tie rod seperator tool when I was returning the pickle fork which seems to work WAYYYYY better. I will attack the ball joint again tomorrow when I have time but I feel confident the tie rod tool will do the trick.

TX_Bullet · 12-14-2010, 09:51 PM

this is the tool

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...uller/_/N-264w

the third one down

TX_Bullet · 12-15-2010, 09:15 PM

success!!!! worked like a charm. Took about 45 minutes to swap out

12-14-2010, 04:56 AM	#2
lotar_6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Finger Lakes, NY Posts: 88 My Ride: '01 xi, '94 Rado View My Garage	I've not done this job yet, but maybe try a ball joint separator tool? Or maybe a pickle fork? if all else fails... a BFH __________________

12-14-2010, 07:43 PM	#8
athayer187 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vernon, CT Posts: 147 My Ride: 2004 330xi View My Garage	I'd use one of the screw type separators - they're the most efficient when there's clearance and also would not subject the other ball joint to any harsh loading. Additionally, make sure that the ball joint mounting points are clear of the subframe, one side uses a sleeve to help center the holes to the subframe. This may be constraining the ball joint as you're trying to hammer it out. __________________ 1988 535is - EAT chip, style 5 wheels for track, style 29 wheels for street, urethane UCAB's, urethane trans mounts, 500/450 IE Coilovers, UUC SSK, Mason Engineering strut bars, Hella H1/H4 headlights, Schroth Rallye 3's, Dinan 25/19 swaybars, 750i brakes 2004 330xi - stock except for UUC SSK, RE RSM's, Koni Yellows, UUC TSE1

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

12-14-2010, 07:01 AM	#3
Kubica Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 3,904 My Ride: 2003 325xi View My Garage	Can you remove the two bolts holding it to the subframe?

12-14-2010, 09:59 AM	#5
Kubica Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 3,904 My Ride: 2003 325xi View My Garage	I think you should be able to use a prybar to get it out once the two bolts holding it to the subframe and one nut holding it to the control arm are off. If that doesn't work, disconnect the FCAB carrier from the subframe too and that should give you room.

12-14-2010, 07:24 PM	#7
TiAgXi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CO Posts: 864 My Ride: 3.0 e46/16 View My Garage	125k miles here and to get my outer joints off I used a pickle fork. I had to hammer the crap out of it to make it work though.