Thanks for the replys. To clarify, the ball joint that I am talking about is the one in the photo below.

This is the ball joint of the "upper" control arm (UCA) / tension strut rod. It is the foremost arm, or the one nearest the front of the vehicle. The housing fit up into the underside of the sterring knuckle and ball stud extends downward.

(Not the "lower" contol arm (LCA) where the ball joint is seated in the control arm itself and stud fits into the steering knuckle.)

A pickle fork and a BFH can usually take care of the LCA ball joint. The ball joint mounted in the steering knuckle, not so easy.

Attached Images

 

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2001 e53 X5 3.0i (10/2000 build date) - Beige exterior, Beige/Sand interior w/ light wood