Rear Ball Joints

[davintosh]

Originally Posted by davesx5

Update
I changed out one side.
Lessons learned

USE THE BMW TOOL

Using other presses and tools will work, but it takes allot of time and effort. It turns a 10 minute job into 2 hours.

You do not need a spring compressor.
Using 2 jacks I was able to compress the spring pefect to slide in the long bolt.

I am waiting for the rental tool to do the other side.

Sounds like my experience with the subframe bushings; first one, with a home-built tool, took hours (plus the time it took to fabricate the tool) and broke the tool. Once I got the real deal, the other three took me ~two hours from start to finish. I'm a believer.

[Ricky Bobby]

x3.

Especially that the BMW tool is only about $110-120 shipped its really a no brainer to use the proper tool for the job. I'll be doing my integral links and ball joints in the coming months and plan on renting from Dave for the job, should make it 10x easier.

[cn90]

The BMW tool is nice but when I did my E39 (link in 1st page):
- Rent the Adaptor kit from Adv Auto = free.
- I already own a set of spring compressor and use the long bolt for the job.

So it cost me nothing.

However, if I own a shop, then I will definitely buy the BMW tool.

[Kristophe]

Originally Posted by davintosh

If the ball joints are that far gone, it's likely they are original, and the integral links probably are as well. The link pretty much has to come out to replace the ball joint, so it would be a good while-you're-in-there thing to replace.

Since you don't have air springs, you'll need to use some spring compressors to relieve tension on the suspension to get the link and ball joint out. You can usually get them from auto parts stores on their loaner programs. I've got a ball joint press tool that you could borrow if you like; pm me if you're interested.

There is such a tool I saw posted on eBay if anyone is interested


https://www.ebay.com/itm/174988242713

[StephenVA]

Get the right toots and your fingers, back and time savings will appreciate the efforts. The BMW style tool from multiple sources like CTA has the "D" flat you need to push out and reinstall the ball joint. Your joint has been dear since 100k