2007 X5 -HELP= Front Strut removal
 

I have a 4.8is with both front coil springs broken (101,000miles). After multiple estimates ranging from $1125-$1700 to replace both, I decided I could tackle this myself and have the springs for $350. I have the strut unbolted, BUT cannot figure out how to remove the strut.
With the double wishbone straddling the driveshaft, it appears the driveshaft needs removed to drop the strut? Can this be the case? I really did not want to have to get into that.

Links to pages that address this or videos and pics would be much appreciated.

Hope it helps...

Thanks for the images. I have much of this done, BUT cannot seem to get the upper control arm to break free, is there a trick?

You prob just need to rubber mallet it a little. Those quotes are incredible tho
My suspension guy installed my KW V3 in about an hour and a half (his only other time working on an e70 was mine when I got springs installed). He did the fronts in 15 min per side.

Much of this has been said but just for clarification...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0hyxaa2xdy...Susp1.jpg?dl=0

This bolt (2) must be completely removed not just loosened. If the upper control arm is stuck you can hammer a flat blade screwdriver or chisel into the gap to spread the joint apart.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7utozir1li...Susp2.jpg?dl=0

Bolts (2) and (4) in this pic must be removed and this one you will definitely have to spread the joint apart like above to get the strut out.

Fair warning, the OEM springs are a NIGHTMARE to get on. I struggled through it once and the second time took the struts over to Pep Boys and for $25 cash they put the springs on.

These are a big help. What's the source of these doc's?

Thanks all, planning to get this pulled out tomorrow and to a local shop to have springs compressed and replaced with my OEM replacement.

We'll see how it goes.

BMW Rheingold diagnostic software.

Thanks. Can you run this with a K+DCAN cable?

Yes...

HELP!!! I can still working on this after several days….good lord.
1st question, removing the upper control arm- how do you do it. I have removed the nut and slackened the bolt, but cannot get it to open/loosen enough to get the arm out. I have beat on it pretty good.

Anybody got any tips? Please help.

I'm not certain what you mean by "slacken" but you need to completely REMOVE the bolt.

the manual states to slacken the bolt. I have tried like hell to get the bolt out, is there a trick?

We're talking about bolt 2 in this pic right?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0hyxaa2xdy...Susp1.jpg?dl=0

That one HAS to come out, no way around it.

Also, double checking again, you have to jack up the entire front end, if you try and just jack up one side at a time the swaybar will prevent the wheel from dropping far enough to give you adequate space to remove the strut.

yessir, bolt 2.

I have the struts out, I cannot get them back in and THAT is when I realized the upper control arms must be removed. other bolts come right out, but both left and right sides upper control arm bolts do not want to come out.

the car is fully jacked up and both sides have full suspension travel.

I

There is a flat cut on the ball joint stud and that's where bolt no. 2 gets locked and prevent the ball joint to come out.So you may have to push or pull the ball joint little to free the bolt no. 2.
Also try to use some wedge to split open the groove.

Sorry to hear you're having so much trouble. Those bolts go through a groove in the shaft of the ball joint so that there's no way for the ball joint to come out without removing the bolt first. If it's corroded, after the nut is off you should be able to put a socket and breaker bar on the other side and turn it to break it loose.