[jwebb335xi]

Hey guys,

I set off to replace the traction/tension struts on my 08 335xi. The car has 101k miles and I live in the salt zone. Struts had been off the car once about 4 years ago, but the ball joint is stuck in the strut arm.

I have tied the following:

1. pry bar,
2. penetrating oil,
3. jaw puller
4. regular screw time BJ separator,
5. hit with BFH probably 50 times.

I can't seem to get this thing separated. Any suggestions?

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by jwebb335xi

Hey guys,

I set off to replace the traction/tension struts on my 08 335xi. The car has 101k miles and I live in the salt zone. Struts had been off the car once about 4 years ago, but the ball joint is stuck in the strut arm.

I have tied the following:

1. pry bar,
2. penetrating oil,
3. jaw puller
4. regular screw time BJ separator,
5. hit with BFH probably 50 times.

I can't seem to get this thing separated. Any suggestions?

I SOLVED THIS PROBLEM.... If anyone has a ball joint stuck on their e90 XI tension strut / traction strut in the future, this may help!!

a. losen lug nuts on wheel with 17MM
b. jack-up and support car
c. ensure rear wheels are locked in place
d. double check car is supported on stands and very secure
e. remove wheel
f. spray your penetrating oil of choice on the ball joint/arm connection and 24mm nut (24mm is XI, i believe 22mm is not xi)
g. remove caliper, rotor, dust shield, and 24mm nut
h. apply more penetrating oil
i. use 2 jaw puller now that everything is out of your way
j. with the puller engaged, smack the crap out of the arm/ball joint seizing point
k. with a bigger hammer, and more penetrating oil, smack the crap out of it again, again and again. Then smack that SOB again!!
l. when that it breaks lose, yell, cheer and dance if you're so inclined. Claim that the rust is your bitch... have a cup of coffee, and put the car back together.

Good luck gentlemen (and ladies).

[feuer]

J & K will do it every time! Good job!

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by feuer

J & K will do it every time! Good job!

I tried that yesterday, but it wouldn't break free. So, I stopped, went about my business and looked at it again this AM. I think the key was to have better access. So, removing caliper, rotor and shield helped a lot. That takes an extra 10 minutes to do, but WELL worth the effort. Besides, I've now clean rotors and slide pins just for the heck of it!!

[dandelion]

Sorry for resurfacing an old post, but I found a more simple and easy solution: go to AutoZone and loan a “tie rod puller”, item 57022. There two sizes. I loaned out both but the bigger one wouldn’t fit while the small one fit perfect. No need to remove the brake calipers/rotors or dust shield. Just tighten the screw on the puller with a 3/8” ratchet like a turn or 2 then whack at the control arm. Came out super easy. I spent over an hour without this tool no luck but maybe just 5 minutes with this tool.


https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ler/555631_0_0