X-drive fluid change and front control arms DIY

[4.8isX5]

Lol... I would give you $200 cash if you broke it loose with taps of hammer.. Used air hammer, 2lb sledge, torching etc. Didnt budge a mm. But if youd like to use that method go ahead.

It may come off easier for those who live in a southern climate with no road salt etc. But you werent getting this off without the separator.

[Isambard]

I've done it twice in the 5+ years of ownership, so yeah that method worked for me-both times. Am using poly bushes now and have not looked back since. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ne-bushes.html

Don't know about the 'southern climate', it was the disgusting cold and wet climate of the UK.

Will that be US$ or AUS$ ?

[audiophool]

Originally Posted by 4.8isX5

Lol... I would give you $200 cash if you broke it loose with taps of hammer.. Used air hammer, 2lb sledge, torching etc. Didnt budge a mm. But if youd like to use that method go ahead.

It may come off easier for those who live in a southern climate with no road salt etc. But you werent getting this off without the separator.

I popped my tension arms out of the lower balljoint with a few taps (well, whacks) of a 40oz hammer. The b-atch was getting that ball joint out of the knuckle. And I live well in the salt and rust belt.

[JCL]

Two comments for the OP:

1) You don't mention resetting the transfer case after changing the fluid. See the BMW service instruction. The computer measures clutch engagement times and adapts to fluid condition.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...xperience.html

2) Why would turning a crush washer over prevent one from replacing it? It seals on both sides, and a leak on side a is just as bad as a leak on side b. Good practice to replace it every time.

[Isambard]

Originally Posted by JCL

Two comments for the OP:

2) Why would turning a crush washer over prevent one from replacing it? It seals on both sides, and a leak on side a is just as bad as a leak on side b. Good practice to replace it every time.

Not only that, is your time getting back under the car and cleaning up oil leaks worth less than a couple of bucks for the new washer?