once the ball joint was disconnected from the tension arm, i took it off and used a BFH on it, (placed a large impact socket on top of it, so i wouldnt damage the knuckle if i missed (when i missed!?) it did take alot of frustration out when i did finally get it to pop! its stuck in there good! (oh obvious question here but you did remove the two bolts that hold it onto the knuckle right?)

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2003 X5 3.0i (02/2003) sport package, Sapphire black metallic / Black Dakota Sport seats. compass mirror retrofit, trailer hitch retrofit, Prodigy P2 trailer brake controller installed, PDC retrofit, Lumbar support retrofit. heated rear seats retrofitted. Running boards retrofitted and subwoofer install in progress. 4.8is Brakes installed front and back. Bluetooth TCU installed, Rear Fog lights installed. Retrofitted reclining rear seat backs.