Lower control arm removal
 

I got my new control arm. Was able to get the 2 bolts off, but was unable to get the rotor side joint lto break loose. Tried a ball joint fork with no success. I bought a universal ball joint spreader like in the DIY but it did not open far enough. I have a 2000 X5 and the joint is on very tight. Is there a universal puller that will fit this joint and where can you buy one. I will try another parts store tomorrow to see if they have a bigger puller. Any other suggestions on getting it off. I may have to go to the dealer to get it off if I am unsuccessful.

Thanks

To get a bigger puller. This the only way to get the control arm off from the rotor side. I bought KUKKO ball joint puller made in Germany, pretty expensive, costs US$75.00. It is very easy to get it off by using the puller. It must open to 65mm or more.

Hi does anyone know of an available ball joint seperator to use on the lower control arms??? most tools do not open the 65mm and the BMW too is $350... damn.

a BFH(3lbs+) and a ball joint fork will take care of it. since you're replacing them, you don't need that special tool to remove the arm without damaging the ball joint.

well I was actually looking to just detach it and reuse it... I jacked someone elses thread because the guy above mentioned using a kukko tool, but i can't find a tool on their website that will open big enough to the 65+mm needed. thx

Are you trying to remove this?

I am just trying to seperate the ball joint side from the steering knuckle of the (front) rear lower control arm. I cannot tell if the pic is of the control arm or the tension strut, but the one I am referring to is the connection furthest back on the steering knuckle. first is tie rod, second is tension strut, third is control arm.

the nut that hold the ball joint in place is on the topside (as opposed to the tension strust where the nut is on the bottomside). thus I cannot fit a pitman puller tool above the joint to push it out because the axle is in the way.

I need a clamp style tool to seperate this that opens to at least 65mm.

i took the whole knuckle off. worked perfect. try wd-40 and hit the edge of the balljoint to make it turn first then you should be able to get it out.

I cant tell which piece you're talking about, but I just replaced the bushing and ball joint on the bigger control arm closest to the front of the X (I have a '00 also). We tried a pickle fork first, but it wasn't even close so I removed the ball joint still attached to the arm, you have to remove 2 reverse torx bolts that came out rather easy. Then with the arm in a vice it took a welding torch to get the end red hot before pounding on the pickle fork about 50 times broke the ball joint free. It has a tapered end on it and was not cooperative.

Take the Knuckle off
 

I am stuck with the same problem. The axle is in the way, I can't remove that damn ball joint. Ive tried pb blaster, the ball joint fork tool w/sledge, and even heating up the thing with a propane tank. I guess I will have to remove the knuckle. Any diy on how to do this?? Any help would be great thanks! btw this is the ball joint I am unable to remove

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pub...39meexYfspkvek