Ball Joint

D

Daffy

Active member
 Bath
My local stealer has advised me that the front left (NS) "ball joint" is worn and will need replacing - they have quoted £325 to repair. :(

At the moment i'm time rich and cash poor, does anyone know what parts will be involved in this repair and what tools I'd need to attempt the repair myself?

Ball joint - seems to be indicative of a range of problems and I'm rather confuddled... :?
 
I'd say the dealer was referencing part 5

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=31_0642&hg=31&fg=05

Not changed one but having changed the rear arm bushes, then know you'll have a fair bit of dismantling to get to it and then ball joints to split. Part of the dealer costs will be alignment set up.

Aside jack and axle stands and usual range of spanners then the only tool I can think of would be a ball joint seperator
 
Trolley Jack - Check
Axle stands - Check
Tool kit - Check
Ball joint separator - ordered

So - The full wishbone then? -
Think I should do the tie rods while i'm down there?
 
cj10jeeper said:
Not changed one but having changed the rear arm bushes, then know you'll have a fair bit of dismantling to get to it and then ball joints to split.
Click to expand...

Phil, any ideas what you need to remove to get to this? Ive changed these on a 330i and it only took about 15mins per side!! I was just about to order some and do mine. I'm having second thoughts now about just doing the whole wishbone as preventative maintenance, i've seen many people say the Ball joints don't last much beyond 60k :roll:
 
Mine's at 67k and the NS one has gone. I think the previous owner was a gutter runner though. :roll:
 
Daffy, id also replace both at once - There really is no point doing a full Geo on a car with half-half old/new balljoints and bushes as the play on the old ones will send it out almost instantly. At least by DIY and using aftermarket parts you can get the dealer price down by half!

If you take some piccies of your progress, youll make some very happy people on here too (me included) :D :thumbsup:
 
These might help.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w39FwkJoSI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQQTsmXBiW4&feature=related

....and there's loads more on You Tube :thumbsup:
 
Ed

I'd reckon just take the loppipops off and split the 2 balljoints open. Access is certainly going to be easier if not essential to remove the alloy cross member / strengthener.

I plan to do mine sometime as on a 2003 and known e46 suspension weak point then I see it as good practice. Would def do both at once then get the geo retested on a Hunter system.

Easiest would be to read the TIS to be sure, but real men just get the spanners out and explore :)

I hear of some people go for uprated aftermarket but not sure what you get and why?
 
Asked Mrs J if I should do the balljoints - got a slap, said she didn't get enough use out of the one I had. Said she was now looking for an aftermarket option. Now what's all that about.... :o
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom