Ball joint issues

[dude8383]

Im having a very hard time removing the end of the control arm. the bolt has been removed already, all that i need to do is remove the god damn control arm from that end.

heres the link from zoso's site with the part in question

http://zoso.no-ip.org/images/318i-control-arm/ca-ends.jpg

now i have tried bashing the fuck out of it but that has yielded nada.

uh im trying to heat that part up as well but how long do i have to be sitting in a fuckin fetal position with that shit?!

someone help lol..

[Dave]

When I did it, BFH is all that worked. If you are replacing the arm, a pickle fork would work, since you dont have to worry about screwing up the boot.

[dude8383]

yeh im using a pickle fork but it just won't budge dude..

[Febi Guibo]

hey, sorry you are having a tough go at-it ....

actually, on a semi-unrelated thing, how have the H&R OE springs worked out for you?

[Dave]

How big is your BFH? I had a nice mini-sledge type thing.

[redhatpat]

I just did this last weekend, so I can feel your pain. Get a pickle fork, you need one with about 7/8" inside width, and if you have one use a 5 lb hammer. Works like a charm.

If you want to keep the ball joint boot intact, get a tool like this: I was able to find one in the tool store for ~$10. Did a great job. I'll need it when I replace the struts later on.

[dude8383]

nah im replacing entire control arm..i bought a set that already have ball joints in them.

oh and the hammer i have is pretty fuckin sufficient lol.

[EtaSport]

heat=no on any ball joint. I guess its not so bad since your putting a new one on, but for reference. Other than that, it will come off if you pound on it. I've had several not want to give, but a few steady and straight hits, they will come out.

[Beej '86 325es]

I had a hell of a time with this recently as well. I went to Advance Auto and rented a ball joint puller kit from them. There is a tool that is a pickle fork with a bolt that can push down on the ball joint from the top (like the tool that redhatpat showed). That worked for me, although I bent the bolt on the tool up a bit! And man, when they popped out of there it scared the shit out of me........both times. :)

[dude8383]

i see what you are talking about but i can't leave the car right now, i need to get this shit off...i think my friend might have a puller kit.

ill see if i can get the above pictured item once i can leave the car under someone elses watch.

[tommyboy]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a similar question.

I have an outer ball joint w/ a torn boot that has started making quite a racket. I have a new C-ARM and bushing waiting to go in, but I won't be able to do it for another week or so.

Just wondering if anyone had any methods/product suggestions on quiteing this ball joint down until it gets replaced next week. Any type of aerasol lubricants that you guys swear by, or do you think that solution would even work?

Thanks!

[dude8383]

i dont think there is anyone way to really quiet that down..i mean a ripped ball joint can't really be temporarily fixed..at least to my knowledge you can't

[dude8383]

got the left side!!! the right side should be easier especially since the subframe bolt was kinda sorta loose already