Yep, it was easier to pop the tierod than find the sweet spot trying to steer it. Using a rotor is a great idea; as you know if will fit the hub.

TIS mentions disconnecting the straight control arm, strut fork and the "front axle support"; no idea what that is. I disconnected the sway bar link as the upright is really hard to maneuver with it in place. Maybe that's the "axle support".

I thought I could snake a long punch/pry bar to pop the axle out of the diff from underneath. No dice, the aluminum reinforcement pan needs to come off to get a straight shot at it.

More tomorrow...

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12 E70 3.5i xDrive
03 E46 330i ZHP
01 E53 3.0i
98 E36 323is
12 Audi A4 Quattro
79 Triumph Spitfire
73 MGB