Going to replace both thrust arms
 

I am going to replace both thrust arms and ball joints (# 6 and 15 on the pic below).
RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.6is Frnt axle support,wishbone/tension strut
The new thrust arms came with the bushings already pressed and I also bought 2 new ball joints. I already replaced control arms on other vehicles but not on the X. Any special tip before I do the job? For example will I need a puller or fork for taking the old ball joints out? Will I need a press or special clamp to put the new ball joints in?
Thanks

Bump?

Why replace the arms? Unless they were damaged, all you needed were new bushes and you could have installed the far superior poly bushes.

X5Girl, xxx

Because I do not have a press for the bushings and I do not want to keep the X on stands while waiting for the new bushings to be pressed at some places.

X5girl,
I am having my bushings replaced and was interested in the poly bushings from phoenix motorsports but they appear to be closed temporarily. Any other sources for the bushings?
Thanks,
homepro01

Here you go.

POWERFLEX BMW E53 X5 Front Thrust Arm Bushes. Powerflex on eBay (end time 11-Sep-09 13:36:25 BST)

X5Girl, xxx

I am glad you got an answer in my thread but I still have not got mine :rolleyes:

Alpac,
you wanna come to Maryland and install my thrust rod bushings for me? You should be a pro after you install yours:-)

Just chasing around I found this tool reference.
Not sure if it will help but you can give it a look.
bmw tools

Heres another lead.

http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache...&client=safari

I believe this site has a list of tools as well

http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=162

Alpac, the ball joints are held in with 2 torx head bolts that will need inverted torx sockets to get on them. You will find turning the wheels one way or the other will give you more room per bolt. Just make sure you have a good grab on the bolt with the socket to avoid stripping it.

The only other tip is to remind you to have the wheels on the ground/vehicle sitting at ride height to tighten the bolts through the bushings. This is necessary to have the rubber at a relaxed state while driving. If you tighten them while on jack stands the rubber will twist when you put her back on her feet, leading to overly premature failure.

Good luck!