Front lower outer ball joint moves in control arm

[InterludeIt]

Has anyone ever had this happen to them? The ball joint looks like it's in good condition (boot is in great shape anyway). But it moves a considerable amount in the control arm.

450952

[Moron95M3]

it's toast. change it.

[peelsbimmer]

Don't attempt to change it with out a pickle fork a metal mallet(2.5 pounds at the least). Unless you want a very long day.

[blackongrey]

Yeah you'll need a pickle fork and a good hammer. Nothing looks good about it, looks like mine with 170k on them. It'll only get worse.

[peelsbimmer]

Look at your tie rods, sway bar end links and control arm bushings. Might be a good idea to replace those as well. I'm actually in the middle of replacing mine.

[pbonsalb]

I just replaced all four ball joints on a 98 328i with 180k. The outer on one side was a real pain to free from the steering knuckle. I had to remove the knuckle. Beat on it with a sledgehammer and picklefork.