The disassembly has begun

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qe...=w1187-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Mj...w=w668-h890-no

Going with poly in the lower control arm so I don't have to compress and press in the OE style.

Getting an axle remover from AutoZone to get the axle out for replacement. The outboard boot is very brittle and feels like it could crack at any time.

I broke my "Touch It Once" rule when I changed the rear air bag springs. Kick myself now because the tear out of the trunk in a real tedious PITA. So it's all getting done now! Even the 8 year old battery is coming out for a Duracell AGM H8 from Sam's club at $169.

I hope I can get that tool in there above the exhaust hangar. Dunno if my propane torch will be hot enough to bend that arm. Will find out.


Mike

My propene torch was hot enough. You don't need to bend it much. I used a deep socket and extension for leverage to bend it.

Great tips Josh!

I feel less anxiety now. :thumbup:

Thanks.

Mike

The rear end deconstruction is almost complete. Waiting for UPS to deliver the bushing removal tool and then I have to push out the lower control arm bushings to receive the poly units.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zc...w=w668-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/W5...Q=w668-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eH...Q=w668-h890-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jJ...=w1187-h890-no

I see a crack in the parking brake shoe so I may get new shoes on there while I'm at it.

Mike

I am having palpatations looking at those pics it reminds me of when I did my front wheel bearings LOL

After tackling one rear lower ball joint, I am not at all looking forward to any wheel bearing pressing.

Even with the exact proper ball joint pressing tool, it was a battle. :wow:

Mike

Maintenance work is annoying. Did the new balljoints at least press in easily?

Sadly, even with the specific tool for the E53 rear ball joint, the new one wanted to go in cocked, no matter how many times I tried to straighten it. Brute force ultimately prevailed.

These press in and press out items are the biggest PITA in maintenance.

Had to go to my Indy mechanic and toss him a $20 to have him use his press and adapters to get the lower control arm bushings out. And his is a 20 Ton stand!

No AutoZone tool available to do the ball joints or the bushings jobs. :pullhair:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DW...=w1187-h890-no

The work on the passenger side continues. :wow:

Mike

That Lemforder kit posted in the original is much cheaper now than 8 years ago when I did the front and rear suspension on my 1998 528i (E39).
As the cars (E39, E53) are getting older, parts, even Lemforder, are cheaper.

Tips and tricks are below for E39, E53 is almost the same...


DIY: 1998 BMW 528i COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL
DIY: 1998 BMW 528i COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums


DIY: 1998 BMW 528i Complete REAR Suspension Overhaul
DIY: 1998 BMW 528i Complete REAR Suspension Overhaul - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Great DIY links.

The rear suspension torques are especially timely :thumbup:

Thanks,

Mike