Bottom ball jointe
- Thread starter MikeyH
- Start date
Devon
Attleborough, Norfolk
It is not possible to replace the ball joints on their own unless you have something like Meyle HD lower arms on which they can be done.
However, it is not too difficult to replace the whole lower arm, complete with lollipop bush. You do need ball joint splitters, and the means to raise the car enough to remove the metal bracing panel under the sump.
I would recommend getting new wishbones with the lollipops already fitted, as it can be a pain pressing them on to the pin on the rear of the lower arm.
Mikey's is a 2.2
Idiot proof then
I did the whole lower arms including lollipop bushes on both sides in an afternoon on my drive.
As said you have to have ball joint splitter and a mechanical knowledge along with a good selection of tools including axel stands, good jack etc.
I bought Febi Bilstien ones from eBay for about £150 for the pair.
As said you have to have ball joint splitter and a mechanical knowledge along with a good selection of tools including axel stands, good jack etc.
I bought Febi Bilstien ones from eBay for about £150 for the pair.
Thank you all, I’ve done something like it on MGs years ago so have the forked thing somewhere. I’m asking as the German garage that might have swapped my lower grill said one of them needed doing but it didn’t come up on the MOT. I’m hoping it will help make my steering feel better. Another job for the summer. 
Did they tell you that because they'd just swapped a lower arm with knackered bushes for your good one?!Thank you all, I’ve done something like it on MGs years ago so have the forked thing somewhere. I’m asking as the German garage that might have swapped my lower grill said one of them needed doing but it didn’t come up on the MOT. I’m hoping it will help make my steering feel better. Another job for the summer.
I replaced the lower arms on my 3.0i last year. It wasn’t easy, those joints did not want to split. Got there in the end but it was a lot of physical effort. I found getting the lollipops onto the pins quite easy in comparison. I went for FAG control arms and they seemed to be very good quality.
I’ve watched a video of one being replaced, on a 3 series I think, he’s torqued down the bolts. Will these be the same on a z4 2.2?
From underneath, an E46 and an E85 look almost identical, so assuming that's what it was, then yes.
I know you are only joking but I went out with a torch today and looked at them both, the driver’s side looks newer than the passenger side, might be because it’s the gutter side. I can’t see the driver’s lollipop as it’s hidden by a heat shield but the passenger one looks shot, odd that they knew this but the mot place 2 months later didn’t mention it.
Yes, I know I’m being paranoid but it is hardly surprising. Anyway, I will add them to my list and be ready for the warmer weather next year.
Look at the picture of it. It’s basically triangular with ball joints at the front two corners and a long ‘pin’ at the rear which pushes into the lollipop bush.
Thank you, like a boomerang with slots?
Also called a wishbone.
No.11 in the picture.
No.8 is the lollipop.
Both are clearly visible from the underside of the car.
Thank you Zedebee, I thought that is what it is but some places are confusing
Thanks Nick, I won’t be going near them again, still can’t believe it. I’ve found them on auto doc so will get them ordered. It would be nice to see your new car and have a go with your lift.
