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Thrust arm ball joint removal...how do?!
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07-29-2015, 08:23 PM | #1 |
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Thrust arm ball joint removal...how do?!
2006 330xi:
I've searched this forum along with Google and YouTube and haven't seemed to find an answer; how the "f" do you pop the ball joint on the front thrust arms out of the spindle? I have a confirmed bad ball joint so I ordered a replacement Lemforder ball joint to replace the bad one. I have removed the arm off the joint and pulled the two bolts holding the joint to the spindle but can't for the life of me pop the ball joint out. It's been FULLY saturated in Kroil and has had the pleasure of getting blasted with a stout screw driver and mallet from above to push it down and out...no luck. I've even tried using the screwdriver and mallet to push the collar on the underside of the joint to the side to try to break it loose. Also to no avail. How do you guys get them out? There isn't any room to use a gear puller from the top due to the spindle design and I can't use a ball joint separator due to the metal collar on the ball joint. I stupidly thought this was going to be a quick job; and it has been, up until trying to remove the last piece. Thoughts? Suggestions? Mike |
07-29-2015, 09:09 PM | #2 |
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I think that is why almost everyone replaces the whole thrust arm. It isn't too much more expensive and it has the bushing and ball joint. I know that didn't answer your question but you asked for "thoughts."
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07-29-2015, 09:15 PM | #3 |
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With all due respect, yes, seriously, why would you even try to do that. Due to lack of tools and know how, plus the effort and time invested and potential risk of hurting yourself or damaging the part you are way better of by just replacing the whole unit.
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07-29-2015, 09:27 PM | #4 |
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I used a ball joint removal tool from harbor freight. Took some man handling but it did the trick. Those puppies are a bitch to break loose!
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07-29-2015, 10:40 PM | #6 | |
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07-29-2015, 10:43 PM | #7 | |
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07-30-2015, 12:10 AM | #8 | |
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http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-20...FQ-raQodSiwO2g which is mounted on this and the spindle: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-23...FQqQaQoduZ4Oyg and this is how is done: http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e90-Co...placement.aspx I spend awfully a lot of time in the shop and I think I understood you well. You have difficulties removing the ball joint from the arm. Maybe I'm wrong. However, If I'm correct, honestly > is better to take the above advice. Did't mean to sound harsh. |
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07-30-2015, 12:16 AM | #9 |
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I read it again. sorry, my fault and to my "lame" excuse English isn't my 1st language. You have issues removing the ball from the spindle.
For that in the shop I use torch to heat it up first and then I hit it with the air chisel. Sorry for the confusion |
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07-30-2015, 07:08 AM | #10 | |
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I'm going to give it another shot today, if I'm STILL unsuccessful then I'm going to get my torch from my buddies and try heat. Unfortunately I don't have air tools so an air chisel is out. |
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07-30-2015, 08:01 AM | #12 |
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4lb sledge. Remove the nut on the ball joint then jack the car by the spindle just enough to get the weight onto the jack. Then give the knuckle a good tap with the sledge. That will deform the knuckle just enough and the weight of the car will do the rest of the work. You don't have to take a full swing just a nice firm whack.
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07-30-2015, 08:14 AM | #13 |
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07-30-2015, 08:18 AM | #14 | |
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07-30-2015, 08:40 AM | #15 | |
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If you are trying to pop the ball joint out of the steering knuckle then you just put a floor jack on the spindle with nut removed, while the front end is on jack stands, and jack it ever so slightly by the spindle to get some weight on the ball joint. Then a good whack with the hammer will do the magic and when the joint separates the weight of the car will settle back onto the jack stand. Were only talking about jacking the car a mm or so. Just enough to transfer weight onto the ball joint. |
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07-30-2015, 08:56 AM | #16 | |
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In looking at what you're saying, I'm not sure how that method is going to work when the ball joint needs to be pushed down and out... |
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07-30-2015, 10:48 PM | #17 |
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07-31-2015, 07:03 AM | #19 | |
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07-31-2015, 07:14 AM | #21 |
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07-31-2015, 07:24 AM | #22 |
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Looking down from above:
Side view: (here you can see where I dremeled off one of the tabs in hopes of getting some kind of puller or separator on it...no luck so far) Brand new part for reference: And for anyone not familiar with this area of the car, there is no way to get a 2-jaw gear puller on it from above. That damn steel diamond shaped frame that bolts the joint to spindle makes it difficult to use all conventional methods of pulling that out. The next step is to carefully apply heat with a torch tonight, but I still haven't figured out a good way to push/pull it out. Looks like I'll have to start with brute force using a long strong screwdriver and a 4lb mallet from above. Last edited by twastheglow; 07-31-2015 at 07:30 AM.. |
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