95m3ltw

Wondering if anyone has changed the ball joint that attaches to the tension strut on a ix?

Part number 31126779840

On my 535ixT, it is corroded and firmly stuck in the Carrier. To clarify, it is the ball joint that is attached to the carrier with two torx bolts. Replacing control arm bushings and wanted to change ball joints but I am not seeing a way to get them out short of putting the carrier in a press. On a ix, that is a lot of work.

Thanks for any info.

95m3ltw

Knock Knock, anyone?

pocholin

I haven't replaced those, sorry, no can help :-(

txag_530i

This thread might help:

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo.../#entry1282333

95m3ltw

Thanks for the reply, sadly that is for the rwd model which does not have the bolt-in ball joints, on a ix the balljoint is not pressed in the arm but actually in the "hub". I was hoping to find a method that did not require removing the hub and pressing them out. I have the factory manuals and they simle state " remove ball joint". Lol sigh.

95m3ltw

Update for those that might find this thread in the future. The e60/61 all wheel drive models use arms very similar to the x5. Meaning the control arm does not have a ball joint in the arm but it is boltwd to the knuckle/hub. The BMW factory tool is a slide hammer with a threaded connector that typically pulls the actual ball joint out of its socket which then means chiseling the rest out of the knuckle. Most seem to remove the ball joint by hammering the top either on the car or removing the hub to beat it out. There is not a ball joint tool available that works on this type of ball joint though most threads people state there is as they are thinking of the rwd vehicle that does have a traditional ball joint in the control arm.

I had hoped the xi crowd would have a method that worked vsremoving the hub, which means taking the driveshaft out etc.

rkohou

Are you talking about hammering the BJ on the thrust arm? If yes than I just used a flat screwdriver and used cross pattern to hammer it out. It took about 10 hits.

95m3ltw

Item #12 in the following pic, ball joint that mounts to the hub, it is NOT part of the control arm. xi models have different control arms vs a RWD 535i. Upon further research, if it cant be hammered out, requires removing the hub and pressing the joint out.

timmay77

I ordered parts to do this job today. I can take some pictures and post them up once finished.....

L337E60

Any luck? I've replaced the control arms yesterday on my 07 530xi and the drivers ball joint stud was moving freely. I have a vibration when I brake at 65mph+ and it is not the rotors. So I think I will replace the ball joints next.

This thread is showing how to remove the ball joint on an 06 530xi, in case you need it:

Stuck Ball Joint? - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Good luck.