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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 13
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Control Arm removal problem
What am I doing wrong? I'm replacing my left control arm and I was able to get the middle ball joint loose finally, but now the ball joint on the end will not come out. I've tried using a ball joint removal tool (pickle fork) and I've tapped on the bolt from above but this thing won't budge. I knew it could be a pesky part to remove but now I wondering if there is some step the manual doesn't tell me about?
Any input much appreciated! Ken |
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06-10-2003, 06:57 AM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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LOL, i just did this over the weekend on my 325is. Here's what I did, I supported the strut assembly, then heated up the ball joint with a welding torch, (not hot enought to weld though) just get the knucke red hot, then pop it out with a hammer from above.
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06-10-2003, 08:03 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 13
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Thanks for reply Jared - however, in my case brute force finally won out. I just got it off and it just took a few more whacks with a hammer. But next time, I'm going to try heat too.
Now I'm going to have to take the control arm bushing to a machine shope to have it pressed in. Thanks again Ken |
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06-10-2003, 09:51 AM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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Yeah, the bushings are a pain. I tried everything and eventually had to go to my buddy's machine shop and used his press to pop the old ones out and the new ones in. Just keep in mind to mark the position of the bracket/bushing relative to the arm, and install the new ones in the same way. Also, when you put the new bushings in, make sure the arrow on the rubber lines up with the mark on the bracket. When you re-assemble everything, first tighten everything up and then lower the car. Once on the ground, re-tighten everything again.
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06-10-2003, 09:54 AM
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