Full front end refresh control arms, balljoints etc

[4.8isX5]

Whats up guys, cars at 103.1k miles and i needed to do a front end refresh (have parts waiting for rear in box as well), i was already planning on doing it but i let the steering shake go to long and mainly was a really bad front passenger lower control arm, when i lifted the car up to check it was much worse then i thought so i got on it asap.

Parts replaced-

-Lower control arms
-Thrust arms with powerflex bushings
-Thrust arm balljoints (ones that the thrust arm connects to on the knuckle
-Stabilizer links

My front airstruts i already replaced with arnott units 20-25k ago so they are fresh, and the only thing i didnt touch is the inner tierods/outer tierods which are still good but i'll be replacing at a buddys house due to being able to get a free alignment while im down there. Im sure all the new parts have changed it some, but usually even if i mark the tierods after putting new ones the alignment is pretty off.

Video of how bad the front passenger was



Parts





Old balljoint out- dont attempt these unless you have air hammer and patience, they took a while



Powerflex thrust arm in



One side all tied up




Enjoy, any questions just ask.

E53s are actually very simple in design on front end compared to other model bimmers, with ample room to work in most spots. I use impact guns, air hammers, balljoint spreader, torch and pickle fork. Without these tools i wouldnt attempt the job at all just from experience of working on cars as a side job. The balljoints suck the most as they are awkward to get at because of the cv halfshafts in the way.