Replacing lower ball joint - BMW Forum

WardJ · 04-09-2006, 08:53 PM

do i really have to replace the ENTIRE control arm if i've damaged the outer/lower ball joint? haynes says i have to, and so does bently. but i rented a press and i have the replacement ball joint. i really don't want to have to replace an entire control arm (arm, bushing, outer and inner ball joints).

Starmavin · 04-09-2006, 09:00 PM

No, you can buy them and press them in. Just make sure that the person that is doing it knows what he is doing and/or has the correct adapters...

WardJ · 04-09-2006, 10:11 PM

ok. that guy..is me. the box has simple direction on it. let me know what i should do. i can type out the directions if you need it. thanks man

Scotsman · 04-10-2006, 05:54 AM

You're looking at this the wrong way. Listen, you're replacing the control...which includes inner and outter ball joints. it has nothing to do with the rear bushing. When I first did mine, I thought like you, but then I realized...I have to take the damn control arm all the way off the vehicle to replace the balljoint, why not do them both and just swap out the part? The price really isn't that bad, autohauz lists it at $67 shipped, and that's assembled with both balljoints. Having replaced a few balljoints in my time, I'd rather pay the $67, trust me.

Starmavin · 04-10-2006, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotsman

You're looking at this the wrong way. Listen, you're replacing the control...which includes inner and outter ball joints. it has nothing to do with the rear bushing. When I first did mine, I thought like you, but then I realized...I have to take the damn control arm all the way off the vehicle to replace the balljoint, why not do them both and just swap out the part? The price really isn't that bad, autohauz lists it at $67 shipped, and that's assembled with both balljoints. Having replaced a few balljoints in my time, I'd rather pay the $67, trust me.

I would really like to have that part number and where I could find a autohauz here. Considering just the ball joint is $40 alone and you are saying that the whole control arm is $67 I'll be all over that like white on rice...

Starmavin · 04-10-2006, 06:34 PM

Hotdog! I found it, damn that's the cheapest I've ever seen them. I think I'll buy a pair just to keep as a spare! (I have to wonder about the quality considering the price) PN 31121127725 www.autohausaz.com

WardJ · 04-10-2006, 07:32 PM

so the consensus is, i should just replace the entire control arm instead?

Numark318i · 04-10-2006, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WardJ

so the consensus is, i should just replace the entire control arm instead?

yea. I have done it three times so far...easier to replace the entire arm.

Scotsman · 04-11-2006, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starmavin

Hotdog! I found it, damn that's the cheapest I've ever seen them. I think I'll buy a pair just to keep as a spare! (I have to wonder about the quality considering the price) PN 31121127725 www.autohausaz.com

I've used parts from autohauz any number of times, both on my BMW, and on my wife's volvo. There has never been a quality problem, as most of the parts are from the same maker you'll get if you order from Bavarian, or BMP, just cheaper. and the free shipping on all orders over $50 is sweet.

WardJ · 04-11-2006, 05:43 AM

...so if i order a control arm,i don't have to order a new bushing? sorry for the 20 questions

Scotsman · 04-11-2006, 03:32 PM

no, the bushing is completely seperate from the control arm....er..alright, the rear of the control arm is a simple round shaft that slides through the middle of the rear bushing. spray a little PB blaster, or WD40, or whatever, on the shaft. Then unbolt the balljoints, and work it free slowly. slide new control arm into bushing, slide new balljoint studs into place, torque as specified. and you're home free. I'm guessing if you do the job with the entire new control arm, you're looking at like a half an hour job.

Numark318i · 04-12-2006, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WardJ

...so if i order a control arm,i don't have to order a new bushing? sorry for the 20 questions

when i got my arms they had the bushings in them already. just had to swap out the old part with the new.

Scotsman · 04-12-2006, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numark318i

when i got my arms they had the bushings in them already. just had to swap out the old part with the new.

I'm sure you mean that they had the new BALL JOINTS in them already. The control arm BUSHING is NOT bolted to the control arm, and will not come with it. It's a seperate part, and you don't need it to replace the control arm.

WardJ · 04-12-2006, 07:24 AM

alright it sounds like i'll order two new control arms. hopefully my LAST question: if its that easy to take the control arm out of the bushing, how easy is it to remove the inner ball joint? it doesn't look like it would come out without a fight.

Scotsman · 04-13-2006, 04:33 PM

The inner balljoint is a bit of a bitch, I believe the last time I did it, I used a ratchet wrench in the correct size, and that seemed to be the persuasion it needed. I've been involved with others who simply used a smoke wrench (torch) to persuade it to come off, and that worked pretty handily as well. Just have to be carefull not to torch the flat surface of the subframe. with a little work, maybe starting out with a regular wrench and a cheater bar, or a ratchet with an extension and universal joint, you can get it loose, then finish up with whatever seems right to you. Good luck.