TIFU - replacing front struts on 535xi
 

As the title implies, I'm replacing the front struts on my '08 535xi. As I was levering the strut tube out of the knuckle, I managed to overextend the inner (plunge) joint of the front drive axle. After rotating it slightly, I was able to get it back in place. Am I looking at new axle now or will it be OK?

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series...b5be98a87d.jpg


On a happier note, I got a really good deal on a floorstanding spring compressor (C$120). Works great.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series...a178b20f2b.jpg


Upper mounts were absolutely borked. Car looks like it'll sit 10mm higher, plus the usual Blistein boost.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series...7003e2a47e.jpg

Didn't quite understand about overextending the axle.. but if you mean it popped out and you just had to pop it in.. that's completely normal and you're good to go. Great deal on the spring compressor!

Yes and no, but not exactly. The inner joint is like this: http://cyoum84abk-flywheel.netdna-ss...e-cv-joint.jpg I pulled the joint open far enough that the bearings came out of their slots. Or maybe it's a double offset type like this: http://slideplayer.com/slide/3867072...XLE+SHAFTS.jpg
Didn't go so far as to damage the bellows though. I can't imagine it would slide back in place in any way other than how it's supposed to run. Paranoid much? Yes...

Ah I see what you mean! As long as not much crud got into there then you're good. When I put new axles in I took a peek inside in New vs the old one that was broken. I'm probably another 10-20k on the new axles with no issues. Paranoid is always good...as long as you can sleep at night haha!

Yeah, I can't see that doing this could get any crud into the joint since the bellows just flexed but didn't pop.

Now I'm doing it the Bentley way and pushing the axles out. Good thing we have 3 cars and 2 drivers - I have the luxury of time for repairs. Almost like having a project car.