I believe that the E60 requires a specific tool to aid in removing the Tension Strut Arm and Wishbone Arms from the knuckle:



and the Ball Joint:



Which of the following styles is correct for the E60:



OTC 6297



Assenmacher 1200




Baum ToolsB312240K




Does anybody know what the opening space in the tool needs to be relative to width and height (example only):



Is it: Width: 19mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, etc.

Height: 50mm, 62mm etc.,

 

When you figure this out let me know because I can bring my car down and let you practice! I think I will need them soon.

 

I did lower control arms and tension struts on both sides this past summer, and did not need any special tools other than a set of spring compressors.

 

How do the coil spring compressors separate the ball joint from the arms?

I can see them separating the strut from the hub or strut mounts, but how do they work to separate the ball joints?

 

what are you trying to do, replace the entire arm or remove the ball joints from the arm?

if you're replacing the complete arm assembly, that's what I did and no special tool is required. remove the nut, give the arm a couple of whacks with a rubber mallet and it will come out. I needed spring compressors so that I could move the strut housing up about an inch or so, so that I could remove the tension strut (you'll see what I'm talking about when you get in there).

sorry if I misunderstood and you're trying to separate the ball joint from the arm. (can't imagine you are though)

 

I'm replacing all 4 arms (Tension & Wishbone) each as a complete unit, so I need to separate the ball joint end from the hub assembly. From my past experience, this normally requires a considerable amount of force, or heat, or some form of momentary deforming of the hub joint in order to separate. I believe they are torqued to 165 Nm on my 545i, which I thought meant I needed a ball joint separator.

I will try the rubber (?) hammer, but that seems on the surface, to be incapable of temporarily deforming the hub joint so separation can occur. Fingers crossed that's all it takes, but I also decided to purchase this item as a backup ($24.99 delv - Ebay):







It works like this (not my photo):



I'll post when I get around to using it.

 

I didn't do tie rod ends, but I did both lower CAs and tension struts and didn't need a separator tool.

I have the OEM torque settings saved somewhere on my laptop, let me know if you need them. From what I remember, the highest torque settings were on the front subframe mounting points, not the spindle side. Also, BMW recommends replacing all mounting bolts. Not sure why as they don't appear to be TTY bolts, but I replaced all of them.

 

If your replacing the ball joint there's no need for a special tool. Just hammer them out. If you mushroom the threads on the ball joint it wont matter because your replacing it anyway. If there stubborn you can always use a pickle fork. Don't use a pickle fork if you plan on reusing the ball joint. It will rip the boot. I only use the tool your showing when I'm removing a ball joint then reusing it. I use something similar to the first picture you posted. Works on a lot of different vehicles including my 5.

 

I agree if you are replacing the arms just give em a good whack with a hammer and they will pop free.