Going to replace both thrust arms

[bjo]

weasel, what is the best way to remove the ball joint? go in from the top and air hammer it out? or try to pry out the ears of the ball joint where the torx bolts mount to?

[alpac]

Originally Posted by Weasel

Alpac, the ball joints are held in with 2 torx head bolts that will need inverted torx sockets to get on them. You will find turning the wheels one way or the other will give you more room per bolt. Just make sure you have a good grab on the bolt with the socket to avoid stripping it.

The only other tip is to remind you to have the wheels on the ground/vehicle sitting at ride height to tighten the bolts through the bushings. This is necessary to have the rubber at a relaxed state while driving. If you tighten them while on jack stands the rubber will twist when you put her back on her feet, leading to overly premature failure.

Good luck!

That is good info Weasel thanks. Yes I knew about having the car on the ground before tightening the bolts.

[alpac]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Just chasing around I found this tool reference.
Not sure if it will help but you can give it a look.
bmw tools

Heres another lead.

Ball Joint Removal Tool - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

I believe this site has a list of tools as well

BMW Control arm - Ball Joint | Bavarian Autosport BMW Parts and Accessories

Thanks. Before buying any additional tools I am trying to make sure if what I already have would be good enough though. Although never did that on the X5 yet I did work on several other vehicle's control arms/ball joints before. Some were a pain in the neck without the right tool while some were pretty easy. It sounds to me now that the X5 should not give me too much trouble.

[gregwx5]

I will be doing the same thing very soon! Keep the tips coming! I was also concerned about the best way to remove the ball joints. Thank you all in advance!

[djbock]

Did the same thing to mine last week. New thrust arms, struts and ball joints.

Thrust arms and struts no problem. Got to the ball joints and couldn't get them to budge. Even tried to air chisel them out without any luck. So not sure if they are pressed in or not. Was taking it to dealer anyway for the alignment so will have them do the ball joint replacement, hopefully they will have better luck getting them out.

[Icer006]

Never use a pick fork to remove the ball joint. Use the proper tool (above) so you don't knock your alignment off.

[SLX5]

Icer006,
Why never use a fork to remove the ball joint? I have always used a fork with great success (not in X5 though)? What special tool are U referring to?

alpac,
do a search on this forum, I came across a thread a couple of weeks ago, there someone had listed the tools you can get from harbor freight for the job. good luck and keep us posted.

[SLX5]

alpac,
check out these link, even though it in not for an X5, it should give you a pretty good idea and it also discusses about a seperator tool,

Thrust Arm Replacement 1997-2003 5-SERIES V-8 CARS - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

DIY - Powerflex thrust arm bushings - bimmerfest - BMW Forums

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by SLX5

Icer006,
Why never use a fork to remove the ball joint? I have always used a fork with great success (not in X5 though)? What special tool are U referring to?

alpac,
do a search on this forum, I came across a thread a couple of weeks ago, there someone had listed the tools you can get from harbor freight for the job. good luck and keep us posted.

I was referring to the C-clamp press tool/Ball joint puller



Pitch fork can ruin the rubber boot. If you're working on a tie rod and you use the pitch fork with some force, alignment will be affected.

[djbock]

Just got a call from the dealer and asked him if the thrust arm ball joint is pressed in. The SA told me sort of. It is pressed in a little but is also held in by the two bolts. So there is your answer.

The ball joint for the thrust arm is right below the axles so there is not an easy way to press it out unless you completely remove the spindle.

Now the problem is that one of the ball joint bolts broke and they have spent a day and a half trying to get it out. Might end up having to get a complete spindle.