Yep, learned a lot about the “physics” of the front suspension, glad I ventured into an uncomfortable situation and will add your threading the nut loosely before busting it or other components loose to the list. It’s all back together and drives without any noises or fault codes, ride height is functioning. Appears just because it drives ok doesn’t mean I’m out of the woods, I will be looking for a leak from an undetected boot tear, but what should I look for with a broken seal? Transmission fluid leak? And not sure about your last sentence, was that reassurance that popping the axel out isn’t so bad because of the way they manufacture it on the line at the factory?

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'03 4.4 M62
Original Owner 107k on the clock
Alpine White/Beige Leather

Others:
2013 M-B E350 S4 Touring
2016 M-B E350 S4 Touring
2004 Porsche 911 C4S Track Duty