What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[X5chemist]

Yeah, thanks fellas! I plan to install new hubs. I'll run the wheel lugs through them to test fitting first. I can use a tap and die to clean threads if necessary. With some help available, I may get both sides done. Plus, my helper can clean off rust on the OEM hitch. We'll prime and paint the hitch. The shafts were replaced about 4 years ago. I don't expect having a hard time to get them out.

[andrewwynn]

I built an axle spline push tool from an old front brake rotor but you won't need it if the CV were pulled within even a decade in a non rust zone.

It can still be hard to get splines back in even a new hub so clean the CV splines before install.

When cv splines bind, lift the knuckle so it's more straight and it usually pops right in.


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[Henn28]

My wife pointed out the other day that the X5 horns sounded like a sick goat so two new ones went in last week. I’m getting pretty good at pulling that left headlight quickly. The job is easier if you also pull the tray out. She sounds like a real car again.

[g300d]

I just felt the driver side door handle carrier give way yesterday.

Been reading up on Andrew's DIY thread and photo album (thanks Andrew, lot of work you went through patiently documenting that instead of just saying fix it with a steel tie!).

Ordered some steel zip ties and psyching myself up to tackle it when they get in.

But my parts place just let me know they have some Febi carriers if I chicken out lol!

[andrewwynn]

I never veto having a back up plan. One time when fixing one of these, it was broken in a different way needed to replace. That said, a vice holding the thing greatly reduces the difficultly.

[g300d]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I never veto having a back up plan. One time when fixing one of these, it was broken in a different way needed to replace. That said, a vice holding the thing greatly reduces the difficultly.

Yes sir, I saw you recommend that. Took a bit to understand the process, but I think I got most of it after going through the album a few times.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by g300d

I just felt the driver side door handle carrier give way yesterday.

Been reading up on Andrew's DIY thread and photo album (thanks Andrew, lot of work you went through patiently documenting that instead of just saying fix it with a steel tie!).

Ordered some steel zip ties and psyching myself up to tackle it when they get in.

But my parts place just let me know they have some Febi carriers if I chicken out lol!

I recommend against the Febi carriers. I don't know if it is just my X or others have had the same issue, but the socket on the Febi carriers that snaps onto the ball on the operating rod is either too large, not deep enough or both. They will constantly pop off. I went to the genuine BMW and haven't had that problem since.

[andrewwynn]

Open the tiny finger that holds the ball so you can get the wrap around twice. A long nose vice grip pliers is very helpful to hold things while assembling.


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