Ball Joint Removal?

[hunds02]

Thank you all for the tips and suggestions.

Got it our today in about 5 seconds with the air hammer! Will take a video when I do the other side this weekend. I was planning on putting this new Febest CV joint and boot kit on today but didn't have the correct clamp banding tool. Will tackle it all this weekend when its not raining. Here are some pics though!

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by hunds02

Thank you all for the tips and suggestions.

Got it our today in about 5 seconds with the air hammer! Will take a video when I do the other side this weekend. I was planning on putting this new Febest CV joint and boot kit on today but didn't have the correct clamp banding tool. Will tackle it all this weekend when its not raining. Here are some pics though!

Make sure you wire brush that rust and apply anti-seize to the new ball joint.

[OnTouring]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Make sure you wire brush that rust and apply anti-seize to the new ball joint.

Would the anti-seize, while easing future removal, not compromise the security of the joint once installed?

Referencing the Workshop Manual,

"Keep recess for guide joint, bore in tension strut and guide joint
journal clean and free from grease."

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 4.8is (N62-S) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 31 Front Axle > 12 Struts W.rubber Mounts > 3 RA Removing And Installing_replacing Guide Joint In Swivel Bearing

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by OnTouring

Would the anti-seize, while easing future removal, not compromise the security of the joint once installed?

Referencing the Workshop Manual,

"Keep recess for guide joint, bore in tension strut and guide joint
journal clean and free from grease."

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 4.8is (N62-S) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 31 Front Axle > 12 Struts W.rubber Mounts > 3 RA Removing And Installing_replacing Guide Joint In Swivel Bearing

The nut will secure it but I don't lubricate press fittings. They are press fittings for a reason.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by OnTouring

Would the anti-seize, while easing future removal, not compromise the security of the joint once installed?

Referencing the Workshop Manual,

"Keep recess for guide joint, bore in tension strut and guide joint
journal clean and free from grease."

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 4.8is (N62-S) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 31 Front Axle > 12 Struts W.rubber Mounts > 3 RA Removing And Installing_replacing Guide Joint In Swivel Bearing

I wouldn't think so. It's the screws that are holding the ball joint in place.

[bmw540san]

When I did mine I sprayed PB blaster the day before and had no trouble removing them other than almost stripping torx bolts due to design and tight space.

Also, no issues when installing new ones. I just made sure that everything was clean and there was no need for pressing them in. They went in by hand effort.

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

[upallnight]

This is the hammer that I used with my air hammer to knock out the ball joint. A chisel will just split the ball joint apart, while a punch may just knock a hole in the ball joint.



This hammer spreads the load of the punch throughout the top of the ball joint.

Also a long barrel air hammer is more effective since the hammer has a longer travel thus more force when it hit.

[hunds02]

Good catch. I will not either. Perhaps the best thing you can do for installation is clean it well with a wire brush or sand paper.

[hunds02]

Can anyone comment on whether you need a special tool to press them in there, or will the torx screws be enough to press it in there?

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by hunds02

Can anyone comment on whether you need a special tool to press them in there, or will the torx screws be enough to press it in there?

Don't use the torx screws to pull them in. You couldn't use the big c-clamp and cups to push it out, but you can use it now to push it in. Most auto parts stores such as Autozone or O'reilley will loan you the tool for free.