[jwebb335xi]

Hey guys,

I managed to get the 24MM self locking nut loose from the wishbone where it attaches to the hub assembly/spindle on my 335xi (see photo below). And, I've got the wishbone separated from the front sub-frame, but I can't separate the wishbone from the hub assembly/spindle. I had read that once the locking nuts were off, a good rap or two with hammer would send the wishbone out the bottom of the hub assembly - NO DICE.

Do I need a pickle fork or something else to get this done? The new part is somewhat cone shaped, but has no other attaching mechanism. I'm stuck!

Any advice would be appreciated.

[shirtpants_]

Penetrating lubricant, a pickle fork(did not work well for me), a ball joint separator, and a rubber mallet/hammer.

[Cloud9blue]

Of course it is a midwest car...

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by shirtpants_

Penetrating lubricant, a pickle fork(did not work well for me), a ball joint separator, and a rubber mallet/hammer.

Thanks guys. I'll be heading to HF in the morning to pick-up one of these... $22 seems pretty good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by Cloud9blue

Of course it is a midwest car...

yeah it pops right out with bare hands here in FL

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

yeah it pops right out with bare hands here in FL

8 Midwest winters changes the metal underneath just a bit..!

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

yeah it pops right out with bare hands here in FL

The xdrive cars have tapered shanks on their balljoints so you need a puller or a pickle fork to get them off. The RWD cars come out easily because the shank isn't tapered.

OP, get a pickle fork, but be prepared to replace your balljoint too, since you'll tear up the boot using a pickle fork.

[mlifxs]

thanks for the clarification, I did not know that.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by rothwem

The xdrive cars have tapered shanks on their balljoints so you need a puller or a pickle fork to get them off. The RWD cars come out easily because the shank isn't tapered.

OP, get a pickle fork, but be prepared to replace your balljoint too, since you'll tear up the boot using a pickle fork.

I picked-up a ball joint tool from Harbor Freight; it worked like a charm. The insert point IS tapered as mentioned. Use of the ball joint tool didn't seem to harm the ball joints on my old "wishbones" but the new ones came with them installed.. So, I'm good to go either way.

Toughest part about this was finding s good way to counter-hold the bolt holding the wishbone to the hub assembly. I was able to use a torx on long extension to counter-hold and a 24mm wrench on the self locking nut.