Thought I'd post a few pics from last weekend working on the rear suspension. I am changing the Ball-Joints and Integral Links on both sides as well as the end-links for the stabilizer.

I started on the D/S side, first tried to leave the hub-carrier on the car, using a threaded bar, but could not make the ball-joint move. Tried heat and a little help from my pneumatic hammer but no joy.

So went whole hog and took the brake off (incl. parking brake) and took the hub-carrier off the car. I did not touch the lower control arm bolts as I prefer to keep a semblance of alignment untul I can get it done at a good alignment shop.

With a 20T shop press the ball-joint was easy to remove and replace. The hub carrier is back on the car. But now waiting for the Integral Links to show up. So the left side is 90% done and on the P/S (right) side everything is ready to remove the hub-carrier.

Interestingly I found that using my recently acquired 3/4 breaker bar (24") the half-shaft nuts came off relatively easily despite not having been off previously.

The other thing I notice is that the bearing does not have to be removed from the hub-carrier. To make it less awkward to position in the shop press I took it off anyway. The bolts are mounted from behind as they are for the front wheel bearings.


Waiting for parts and for the weather to get a bit drier now.....

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2003 4.4i black ext./black int./black headliner (kid's runabout)
2014 535d X-drive, M package, silver/black interior

Sold but not forgotten:
2009 E70 35d, black ext./black int./black headliner (sold 2021)
2006 4.8iS Le Mans blue/cream int./black headliner, SOLD in 2012 sadly...

Other hardware:
2015 Cayenne S (wife's new DD and definitely wroooommmmm)
2016 Tundra 1794 edition crew cab, luxo hauler
2005 Tundra crew cab, weekend hauler. Sold after 150k very happy miles.