Rear Ball Joint Replacement

**srq** · 10-19-2017, 10:38 AM

Visual shows wear/play in ball joints on both sides (part #2).

e38 rear axle support.jpg

Is it recommended to replace any other parts?
Ebay has all replaceable parts minus the tie bar for a little over $100. Any one has experience with after market parts for ball joint and other rear axle parts?
Ebay has the following tool: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Tool-Re...19.m1438.l2649
Is the above tool the correct needed tool for the job? Any alternative tools or maybe rent? Can you rent from local autoparts stores?
Is there a write-up (Did not see one on Timm's website) for doing this job?
Any suggestions/recommendations for doing this job?

**racer2086** · 10-19-2017, 02:43 PM

It is not a very fun job pressing that thing out and in. Do not buy ebay parts. Lemforder or Meyle HD for the ball joint. You will need a new snap ring. Maybe consider a new integral link, but those don't usually wear that much. I'd replace both arms if they are old and high miles because you're going to need an alignment after anyway. It may help to unload the pressure on the suspension if you disconnect the lower strut. Otherwise you will be fighting the shock and spring to compress the rear to get the large bolt back in. BTW that thing is on there with like 140 ft lbs.

**90turbo1** · 10-20-2017, 10:23 AM

we used the stock bmw tools ( look similar to the one you posted but old and beat up) and you tanke the large center bolt out of the ball joint. Then the aluminum link that large bolt passes through remove that also, we would then use a pry bar to pry down on the lower control arm till we had sufficient room for servicing the joint and place a 2x4 block between the axle and lower control arm to hold in that position. replace joint and reassemble. off to alingment machine

**clarkitect** · 10-20-2017, 01:44 PM

Being from FLA your car probably isn't rusty like mine was, which made it so much of a pain I took it somewhere and had them do it. They complained about it being a pain too. Here's a DIY from the DIY section. Most of these are so old you need to show threads from "the beginning" in order to see them:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ght=ball+joint

**racer2086** · 10-21-2017, 12:26 PM

Oh and mark the eccentric bolt positions before you take them out so you can get them back close enough for you to get an alignment.

**cazal740i** · 10-21-2017, 07:03 PM

I did that marking on eccentric bolt routine and my wheels were all messed up pointing in different directions ...still a trip to alignment shop is in order after the ball joints R&R....I used Home depot piping and washers to get my old ones out and new ones pressed

**Ruskii** · 10-21-2017, 07:56 PM

I did replacement on my e39 and it was a total PITA!

Tip: place the new ball joints in the freezer, it will make pressing in easier.

Also, you can rent the ball joint press tool at AdvanceAuto. It's like a universal 20 or 25 piece set, but it works!

**setconstr** · 10-21-2017, 08:15 PM

If You can either borrow or buy ( $83.00 at amazon) the e38 specific tool it makes the job Soooo easy the first side
takes a bit longer ( learning curve ) the 2nd I finished in a 1/2 hour . https://blog.bavauto.com/9385/bmw-di...39-e38-others/ for a 5 series but pretty much the same. The last thing I would say is buy the full rear end kit and do it all at the same time https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...on-Replacement I personally like OEM lemforder https://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW-8...9-60kitoem.htm.