control arm bushings?

[xc17pilot]

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!

[nebilex]

[QUOTE=xc17pilot;932581]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.

QUOTE]

Hi XC pilot.. Did you remove the entire steerning knuckle to get the ball joint out? Did you try hammering the ball joint out before removing the entire knuckle? I'm tackling this in couple of weeks and i would like to avoid purchase a tool that I would use only one time. I am planning to spray penetrating out all over the knuckle and bolts etc for the next couple of days prior to tackling it.
Any recommendation you have before I tackle this?

[upallnight]

[QUOTE=nebilex;933583]

Originally Posted by xc17pilot

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.

QUOTE]

Hi XC pilot.. Did you remove the entire steerning knuckle to get the ball joint out? Did you try hammering the ball joint out before removing the entire knuckle? I'm tackling this in couple of weeks and i would like to avoid purchase a tool that I would use only one time. I am planning to spray penetrating out all over the knuckle and bolts etc for the next couple of days prior to tackling it.
Any recommendation you have before I tackle this?

Get yourself a BHF not one of those carpenter hammer, but a sledge hammer.