center link replacement - e34

[Gunslinger]

Okay, this past weekend I jack the car up and go to replace the center link. My tie rod puller does not have particularly good clearance to remove the joint from the idler arm.

Ant tips/tricks here? I'm reluctant to use a pickle fork. I'm thinking of buying a second puller and doing surgery on it so it will clear, but I'd rather not if someone has a better suggestion.

[JamesM3M5]

Get a balljoint separator form http://www.autospecialtytools.com.

Sir Tool 1014
http://shoptoolsshoptools.com/images/1014.jpg

Sir Tool 266H
http://shoptoolsshoptools.com/images/266h.jpg

The 266 works on E30/E36 tie rod balljoints and also on E28/24/32/34 center tie rods. The 1014 should work on the larger outer balljoints on E30/36/46. It will probably not fit on the steering arm for lower or upper control arm balljoints on the E24/28/32/34 front control arms.

This should work on the thrust arm balljoint:
http://shoptoolsshoptools.com/images/BMW3032.gif

[Gunslinger]

Thanks - I'll check it out.

For the thrust arms, I was able to use my Pitman arm puller, although I had to remove the three bolts holding the strut carrier to the steering assembly, and move it aside a little bit. Life would have been much easier with the specialty tool.

The issue with my current tie rod puller is that it's too tall.

[Mr Project]

I just used one of the multi-sized pickle fork setups. A bit tricky getting it around the oil pan, but it was very workable on the 535i.

[mikemaster]

They can be REALLY tough to remove. I used a puller, a little bit of heat, and was able to hit down from above using a 2' piece of pipe through the engine bay. That finally made it pop. Oh yeah, stripped the threads on part of my puller, too. :mad