Lemforder suspension kit. How much to DIY?

[Ricky Bobby]

I may be needing to borrow the rear ball joint too in the coming months, I'm approaching 100k and only the subframe bushings (Meyle HD) and rear sway bar bushings and links have been done -

After my 4 corner brake overhaul I think its on to the rear suspension, front was done about 20k miles ago

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I may be needing to borrow the rear ball joint too in the coming months, I'm approaching 100k and only the subframe bushings (Meyle HD) and rear sway bar bushings and links have been done -

After my 4 corner brake overhaul I think its on to the rear suspension, front was done about 20k miles ago

You've got my info!

[crystalworks]

Your biggest challenge with the front end stuff is going to be the front tension arm ball joints. They suck! Pre-soak them good, and be prepared to have the blue tipped wrench at the ready. It took me (don't laugh) 6 hours for the driver's side and 4 hours I think to get the passenger's side off. They like to literally freeze/weld/corrode themselves into the knuckle.

Other than that it's pretty straight forward stuff. Best of luck to you.

[four.8is]

Thx Crystal, check this out. It looks like a life saver in those kind of situations:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_YO_snrzYrs

[crystalworks]

^Wow. I don't want to know how much that costs because in my head I'm telling myself it's too expensive to justify replacing the good old torch.

[four.8is]

Around 450$
Nice thing is they have attachments for pretty much every size bolt, bearings etc
Made in USA
LOL I sound like I work for them.

[squidzilla]

I plan on using an air rachet (max 90 ft lbs) and an impact wrench as well when I do this. Will this make those bolts easier to get off or is the space to tight to even use an air ratchet? When I removed my steel plate underneath I had no choice but to use an impact wrench since the bolts seemed like they were welded on. The breaker bar did nothing. They came loose in about ten seconds each with the impact tool. I decided right there that is how I doing most jobs.

[bcredliner]

Rebuilding suspensions is straightforward but it is one of those projects that seldom goes smoothly. The key is to invest in the proper tools. Chain auto parts stores will 'rent' tools but I haven't found any that are designed to work on a BMW. Usually at least one part that has to be pressed will be big trouble and the shortcoming of the generic tool will rear its ugly head and hold you up until you buy what you need. I suggest investing some of the $$$ saved on labor to purchase correct tools. You can never have too many tools.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Rebuilding suspensions is straightforward but it is one of those projects that seldom goes smoothly. The key is to invest in the proper tools. Chain auto parts stores will 'rent' tools but I haven't found any that are designed to work on a BMW. Usually at least one part that has to be pressed will be big trouble and the shortcoming of the generic tool will rear its ugly head and hold you up until you buy what you need. I suggest investing some of the $$$ saved on labor to purchase correct tools. You can never have too many tools.

The rear ball joint tool is one of those tools. The generic/universal tools WILL NOT work on the X5. There is a bolster on the carrier that needs a flat spot in the tool so it will fit. After fighting with the universal tool I bought for an hour I gave up and ordered the proper tool. Yes, it was expensive, but I had the old ball joints out and new ones in inside of 20 minutes. Would have been faster except for a little bit of learning curve for using the tool.

[itsbrokeagain]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

The rear ball joint tool is one of those tools. The generic/universal tools WILL NOT work on the X5. There is a bolster on the carrier that needs a flat spot in the tool so it will fit. After fighting with the universal tool I bought for an hour I gave up and ordered the proper tool. Yes, it was expensive, but I had the old ball joints out and new ones in inside of 20 minutes. Would have been faster except for a little bit of learning curve for using the tool.

My rear balljoint were so seized that I would've broke the rod that comes with the tool kit. I had to get creative and use the big Snap-On press tool and use an impact gun to drive them out and push the new one in. It worked a little better putting some heat on the spindle to get it to expand...