new ball joints in old arms without a press

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  • Daeldalus
    Grease Monkey
    • Nov 2012
    • 304

    #1

    new ball joints in old arms without a press

    first off this is not a question. I just did this and wanted to let people know that it is possible.

    I bought new ball joints and not whole arms because my father does have a
    rather large press. go to do them today and he is like 'oh, it stopped working
    but it is fine we can do them on the vice.' i was a bit skeptical but went along
    with it.

    two people, a large vice, a cheater bar, a really big hammer and lots of
    imagination was all we needed.

    it took far too long, was a huge PITA, and i ended up smashing my finger
    really bad but we did do it. I would NOT suggest it, but it can be done.

    any questions?
  • reelizmpro
    R3V OG
    • Dec 2003
    • 9462

    #2
    have u tried it on aluminum arms?
    "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

    85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
    88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
    89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
    91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

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    • IronFreak
      No R3VLimiter
      • Dec 2012
      • 3702

      #3
      Questions? no......Suggestions, yes.

      Go rent a ball joint tool from your local auto parts store. I've done this several times, takes maybe an hour.

      Reelizmpro, while I haven't done the aluminum m3 arms, as long as they're like the stock e30 they should be replaceable. The aluminum e46 arms bmw puts on are 1 time use.
      sigpic

      Rebellion Forge Custom Fabrication

      1988 325is - TrackRat in progress

      Instagram @rebellionforge

      Comment

      • efficient
        No R3VLimiter
        • Feb 2012
        • 3312

        #4
        In for pics of smashed finger

        Comment

        • Daeldalus
          Grease Monkey
          • Nov 2012
          • 304

          #5
          Originally posted by efficient
          In for pics of smashed finger

          crappy cell picture
          Attached Files

          Comment

          • efficient
            No R3VLimiter
            • Feb 2012
            • 3312

            #6
            Lol

            Comment

            • estoguy
              E30 Enthusiast
              • May 2013
              • 1087

              #7
              Well now I know how NOT to change out ball joints. ;)
              Estoguy
              1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

              Need a photographer, come visit my site: http://estoguy.wix.com/unique-perspectives

              Comment

              • Northern
                R3V Elite
                • Nov 2010
                • 5077

                #8
                I broke the balljoint tool last time I tried to replace a balljoint with it. At the time I was in school, so I brought the control arm in and used their press. When the old one finally let go it sounded like a gunshot. The new one went in easily though.
                Originally posted by priapism
                My girl don't know shit, but she bakes a mean cupcake.
                Originally posted by shameson
                Usually it's best not to know how much money you have into your e30

                Comment

                • pandaboo911
                  R3VLimited
                  • May 2010
                  • 2070

                  #9
                  Has anyone done the m3 arms? The ball joints on mine are toast

                  Comment

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