Can't Get Control Arm Off

[Ceeker]

the nut on the sub frame for the inner ball joint should come off if you nail with an air gun. the trick is to get it the first time to prevent it from spinning. throw the jack under the joint so that it lessens the chance of the shaft from spinning with the nut. if you get that far then take an air hammer and be easy on it. you can knock the shaft through with that. I've seen my bmw tech buddies do it this way. If you can't you might want use the pickle fork but you'll most likely trash the boot on the joint and will need replacing then. the last thing, remove the sub frame; at least you'll have a chance to clean it, have a clean working area to remove the control arms. I've done it all 3 ways.

[KenC]

This is the damaged one you're trying to get off, right? Just use a pickle fork. It'll destroy the boot, but whatever.

[5Toes]

Yeah I have new arms on the way... so I dont mind destroying them

Its hard to hammer them form the top, not much room.

I was thinkign Id thread the nut on a little then hammer on the extension

[TurboJake]

Yeah I have new arms on the way... so I dont mind destroying them

Its hard to hammer them form the top, not much room.

I was thinkign Id thread the nut on a little then hammer on the extension

They bend, taking all of the shock out of it.

Pickle fork and a 3lb maul. Works every damn time.

[klynsma76]

They bend, taking all of the shock out of it.

Pickle fork and a 3lb maul. Works every damn time.

This definitely, does it for me every time.

[5Toes]

Will rent a picklefork from autozone, or a buddy, then

[bimmerboy8912]

22mm Pickle fork for removing the control arm from the subframe.
Hammer the fork in place, hammer the fork down, and bingo. Easy. Use a decent amount of PB Blaster too.

[Mr. Tasty]

hey what size socket is needed for the ball joint closest to the middle of the car. The one on the subframe?

[Mr. Tasty]

and whats the easiest way to get to that nut?

[khalild]

and whats the easiest way to get to that nut?

22mm. Extensions for drivers side, Stubby wrench for the passenger side.

Now get your nut off!

[Mr. Tasty]

22mm. Extensions for drivers side, Stubby wrench for the passenger side.

Now get your nut off!

having extreme troubles with getting the socket on the drivers side. There seems to be a metal peice in the way. Anyone?

[bmwguy325is]

I use a 22mm box end wrench. I bought a cheap ratchet one from Harbor Freight and do it from under the car.

[Ceeker]

having extreme troubles with getting the socket on the drivers side. There seems to be a metal peice in the way. Anyone?

yes, that metal piece is the shield for the motor mount. Unless that is missing you are speaking of the motor mount bracket itself?

other option like mentioned...

[Mr. Tasty]

okay, well I had a 22mm box end wrench on there, a pickle fork hammered in, and a jack underneath the ball joint. I was able to move the nut, but I think it's twisting the joint around, rather than the nut on the thread. I have used a ton of PB and still no use.

[bernzpeed]

Put a jack exactly underneath the ball joint to stop it from turning.

Sent from my HERO200 using Tapatalk