Problem removing left front Thrust/Tension Arm
 

I'm trying to swap out my Tension arm and ball joint assembly on my '01 X5 3.0i. I did it on the right side without a problem but on the left side there is an air box or tubing made of rigid black plastic that prevents me from pulling the bushing bolt out all the way. (and of course will prevent putting a new bolt in) others must have run into this but all the Videos I have found focus on the right side and my Bentleys doesn't mention anything.

I don't see an easy way to remove the air box. Am I missing something?

I tried to search for an answer but the search function doesn't seem to be working.

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Some people cut a hole to allow the bolt to come out. I didn't want to do that, so I went to the effort to unbolt the box so it could move out of the way. Not a huge deal as I recall.

AM.

Thanks. it's a pretty big box and I don't see how to remove it, but if you happen to know what it's called I can try to look into it. A hole occurred to me but seems like a last resort.

I looked on realoem and couldn't identify t (maybe part of cooling brakes and transmission?).

I just used a pry bar to move the plastic box and it gave me enough room to get the bolt in and out. It does not damage the plastic if you take your time and move it gently.

I removed it...I think it is an air duct that may be in 2 pieces...at least one of the fasteners was reached from the front bumper area the other 2-3 fasteners were either 8 or 10m and were reached from underneath...

I was swapping on my snow tires a couple of weeks ago and tried to figure out what that box was there for, with no luck. I would be happy to be enlightened just out of curiosity.

The part in question is a brake duct - #6 in image below...

https://www.hubauer-shop.de/images/p...ges/602928.jpg

https://www.autohausaz.com/images/BM-51717121615.jpg

And yes, it is a pain to get out of the way when sorting the control arms! :rolleyes:

Correct. 3 fasteners. 1 push pin and 2 8mm screws. I always remove it when doing the tension arms. Adds a couple of minutes I guess?

Not sure if the situation is different on some versions. When I did mine the front plastic rivet was impossible to remove with bumper in place.

On the 30d? Yeah, nearly impossible... :rolleyes:

I manage to remove/release that plastic "push-pin" rivet through the "broken" front mesh. I have since replaced the front mesh, so that door is now closed...