Anyone replaced a ball joint yet? DIY?

[jmb342]

The ball joint is made into the control arm, so if you change one you change both

[drex]

they used to come all separate. now, the entire assembly comes as a whole. no special tool required except for the 'fork' tool in article ($9 at northerntool). you change the whole thing. total time=1 hour per side.

[drex]

ps the control arm assembly and all joints and new nuts comes together. about $80 per side.

[01X52Quick]

Where did you order from @ $80/SIDE. I am looking around the net and only see the BJ for about $30 and the Arm for $127. All seperate parts. It would be nice to order one thing that comes with all the goodies. :-)

[jmb342]

It is impossible for them to come seperate. Trust me I watch them get made every day.

[drex]

local stealer-- might have been list 130... now that i remember maybe not 80

[01X52Quick]

Originally Posted by jmb342

It is impossible for them to come seperate. Trust me I watch them get made every day.

My local parts counter would have you think different. Man I hate that place... unfortunatly its the only stlrship within 100 miles of here. :-(

I suggest building parts yourself out of aluminum foil and liquid nails before enlisting the help of Rick Hendrick BMW in Charleston, SC.

[drex]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...21&hg=31&fg=05

#10 is what you usually change (gets bent)/ alll pieces included


its the rear that goes.

[diogenes!]

The rear control arm("wishbone" in the parts catalog) comes with ball joint. The front control arm("tension link" IIRC) is separate from the ball joint. The "wishbones" were about $70 each from the stealership. I imagine the "tension links" are more expensive. BTW, my stlr estimated $750 to replace the rear control arms including the alignment...

I just replaced the rear control arms Friday night. 'bout 2 hours to do both sides. Check the "Front End Shudder" thread.

[01X52Quick]

So if I have a bad ball joint as the dealer says... am I replacing the right part by ordering the "Control Arm Assembly" from Rob?

This last post has me confused...