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method to remove ball joints
I used the link nebelix posted on 3/22/13 as the basis to change my '03 X5 3.0's (135k mi) upper control arms (aka tension strut) this weekend. I also did the ball joint and found that using an air hammer made all the difference in getting that part out of the swivel joint/wheel hub.
The air hammer was $45 at Lowes, Ingersol Rand, but really almost any brand should do. I used the three bits that came with the hammer and ran it at 90 psi, working from both forward and aft positions pushing the ball joint down/out of swivel joint. Be patient and it will come out, took about 15 mins per side after a 15 min soak with liquid wrench. Additionally jacked up under the rotor (picture) to support the strut and the rest of the suspension while placing pressure on ball joint. Final picture is new arm and ball joint installed. Overall about 4 hours work. Second side is always easier after learning from first side!
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04-15-2013, 05:15 PM
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