Bmw 1994 broken strut bolts (inside kingpin)

[Rover 200vi]

My front strut was leaking and I decided to replace it. But unfortunately the 2 bottom bolts broke and are now stuck inside the kingpin, while trying to remove the kingpin I destroyed the ball joint underneath. So now I have to buy a special fork to remove the kingpin from the ball joint. And then I need to buy a tool which will allow me to remove the current ball joint and replace it with a new one. Can anybody recommend me a set of tools to do this? Also once the kingpin is removed I don't think I can extract the broken bolts myself right? I need to bring the kingpin to a mechanic, I assume you need some special tools for that. Anyway what did I do wrong??? How can I prevent these bolts from snapping?


http://oi40.tinypic.com/33yja7a.jpg
http://oi41.tinypic.com/2uf6kud.jpg
http://oi41.tinypic.com/2i6gs2o.jpg

[jmo69]

If the ball joint is ruined get a new control arm with the new ball joints already installed. I realize that here in the US we can get free shipping from some of the forum sponsors like FCP Euro. I paid $90 each for mine. http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-control-arm-left-e36-hd-31126758513my . There are extractors for removing broken bolts, check with a local auto parts store they should have something. Try using a penetrating oil the next time to help loosen the bolt. Considering the lack of rust in the picture I find it hard to believe those bolts broke. The fact that they thread in from the back means you have to reverse the old "lefty loosey" saying. My guess is you were turning the wrong way and they broke. I have a fairly good section of tools and if a bolt gave me that much trouble I'd have heated the knuckle (kingpin) up with my torch to get it out.

[Rover 200vi]

Damnit you are right! I did turn the wrong way it is all coming back now. I need to lay off the beer :(. I will however try to create a tool to fix the ball bearings without buying a whole new control arm.

[JimLev]

Looking at the bolt heads you should be turning them CCW to remove them.
You need a bolt extractor to get thos studs out, but you need to have access to the broken studs to use an extractor.
Something like this, Sears also sells these under their name.
http://www.irwin.com/tools/screw-bolt-extractors/bolt-extractors

[JDStrickland]

Lefty loosey
Righty tighty

Learn it. Live it.

[Rover 200vi]

Would this work for the balljoint?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joint-Service-Adaptor-4-Wheel-Adaptors/dp/B008C7RAOM/

[SketchyDude]

That should do the trick if your talking about replacing the ball joints, but, I would probably go for a new arm. Much less BS to deal with and I would bet its time to replace the whole thing anyways.

[Rover 200vi]

Yes but this is my drift car I only need to replace this balljoint and then when I have the money I will replace it with an e46 arm so I can get more angle while drifting.

[sjpgoalie]

I would replace those control arms and the bushings, too. If it's a track car, you do things right and replace old parts. You're nit going to save much money.