[tpatt745]

Replacing front control arms on 06 325xi. How do I get this ball joint out. I’ve tried a lot of things and it won’t budge. It’s the front rear control arm. The torx bolts are out but it won’t budge

[IllSic_Design]

Few options:

1. Rent a ball joint remover/press tool from the auto parts store(will not damage anything).

2. Rent a pickle fork from the autoparts store(possibly damage the joint/dust boot).

3. screw the nut down flush with the end of the threads on the balljoint and smack the top of the nut with a mallet/sledge hammer(possibly damage balljoint/threads on balljoint) to dislodge the ball joint.

[relative4]

Probably option 1 is the best, but last time I just used an air hammer on the top of the joint cause I was throwing it away.

[tpatt745]

I’m throwing it away. I have tried an air hammer and it didn’t budge. I don’t think a normal ball joint press will work. I just can’t find a “special” press for it.

[relative4]

When mine was really stuck, took me 30-40 min with the air hammer. Keep at it, air hammers are very persuasive.

[IllSic_Design]

Use heat on it, from like a propane torch, and get it hot and then try. Should help break it free of corrosion, etc.

[tpatt745]

Update: 3 hours in of air hammer and no movement

[rothwem]

And you're in Ohio too, with all of the associated rust. I'm thinking you're fucked.

Kidding aside, that balljoint is a motherfucker to get out. I was able to get the balljoint out with a punch and a mini sledge on my E91, but on my E83 X3 with the same balljoint design I had to take it to a shop where they pulled the knuckle and used a hydraulic press to pop it out.

[tpatt745]

So now the ball is out of the joint but the housing is still in there. Been beating the crap out of it and slowing getting it.

And yes the rust from being an Ohio car since the day it was bought is not helping.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by tpatt745

So now the ball is out of the joint but the housing is still in there. Been beating the crap out of it and slowing getting it.

And yes the rust from being an Ohio car since the day it was bought is not helping.

With the ball itself out, you might be able to take a hacksaw and CAREFULLY slit the side of the housing and beat it out with a punch.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by tpatt745

Replacing front control arms on 06 325xi. How do I get this ball joint out. I've tried a lot of things and it won't budge. It's the front rear control arm. The torx bolts are out but it won't budge

You can rip the rubber casing off and the use a hack saw, dremmel or even a sawzall with a carbon tipped metal blade.

If the top part of the ball joint remains frozen, then use a torch with yellow gas and heat it up. Then use a quality punch and an 8# mini sledge hammer