Replacing Ball Joints - tension strut
 

Folks,

Took the BMW apart this afternoon to do the suspension. Got the tension struts replaced, and the other wishbone replaced. Both were easy, along with the stabilizer links.

Could not get the balljoints out of the hub that the tension strut attaches to. They bolt in, but do they have to be pressed out? I could see no way of getting them out without removing the axle shaft and hub assembly.

Any pointers?
Thanks.

The ball joint to the hub is not pressed in. It is attached with two inverted hex bolts. I would spray these with PB blaster and let it soak for a little while before attempting to remove them. Make sure you don't strip them. I know there were a couple of DIY's on here

I am replacing mine today, PB blaster is a must.

all you need is the wrench/socket to fit the center bolt trough the thrust arm and the inverted torx socket to fit where the ball joint bolts to the spindle. Tuning the wheel one way then the other gives you better clearance for the torx socket, but be careful as it is easy to strip if the socket isn't fully on or flush. Not a bad job and definitely easier than ball joints on other vehicles import or domestic. I'm sure you won't have any problems with the job.

Well, I had problems. I removed both the inverted hex nuts that was quite easy. I could not get that ball joint out. Chisel, hammer, punch...didn't matter...that sucker was not moving. I presumed they would more or less come out with a little wiggling once the bolts were removed...

But...at least I know now they don't have to be pressed out...I guess I'll get ruthless with the old ones. I'll get some AeroKroil and spray them down, then let that soak in for a week before I attempt again.

I would put the main bolt back on and try a ball joint puller on it. I would try to put the wheels back on and try lowering the jacks slowly to see if it would loosen it. Both of these may be bad ideas, might want to check with other people on here probably for better suggestions.