I plan on using an air rachet (max 90 ft lbs) and an impact wrench as well when I do this. Will this make those bolts easier to get off or is the space to tight to even use an air ratchet? When I removed my steel plate underneath I had no choice but to use an impact wrench since the bolts seemed like they were welded on. The breaker bar did nothing. They came loose in about ten seconds each with the impact tool. I decided right there that is how I doing most jobs.

Rebuilding suspensions is straightforward but it is one of those projects that seldom goes smoothly. The key is to invest in the proper tools. Chain auto parts stores will 'rent' tools but I haven't found any that are designed to work on a BMW. Usually at least one part that has to be pressed will be big trouble and the shortcoming of the generic tool will rear its ugly head and hold you up until you buy what you need. I suggest investing some of the $$$ saved on labor to purchase correct tools. You can never have too many tools.

I borrowed an air hammer to remove my front ball joints but I ended up not needing it. They came out with a quick tap of a mallet.

Hi Joshdub,

After tackling my front suspension rebuild last month, I've got all my rear suspension components ordered (including CV axles) to rebuild the rear and put a lot of distance between me and any worn out suspension components. I will PM you to see if I could borrow your ball joint tool.

I'm going with the conventional rubber subframe bushings for budget constraints so if anyone has the press tool for those that could help me please let me know or point me to a link where I can buy it.

Thanks all.

Mike

The rear ball joint tool is one of those tools. The generic/universal tools WILL NOT work on the X5. There is a bolster on the carrier that needs a flat spot in the tool so it will fit. After fighting with the universal tool I bought for an hour I gave up and ordered the proper tool. Yes, it was expensive, but I had the old ball joints out and new ones in inside of 20 minutes. Would have been faster except for a little bit of learning curve for using the tool.

My rear balljoint were so seized that I would've broke the rod that comes with the tool kit. I had to get creative and use the big Snap-On press tool and use an impact gun to drive them out and push the new one in. It worked a little better putting some heat on the spindle to get it to expand...

What's the general feeling about changing the bushings in the rear lower arm?

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4IQAAO...L-/s-l1600.jpg

Thanks for any insight.

Mike

I think you should do them. At @ 30$/piece it's a no brainer...should be fairly easy to remove them.

I did it. You just have to make sure you take it to a machine shop that knows what they're doing. Those bushings have to be compressed before being inserted into the swing arm.

Please say more Fifty150hs.

How would you describe the process to be followed?

Thanks.

Mike