Removing front wishbone? How is it done?

[hazd31]

One of the ball joints on my wishbone is knackered, Am going to replace it with brand new as they come with ball joints.

Stuck on how to remove the middle bolt? Is there a trick im missing?

Also is it best to do these in pairs do you think?

Thanks

[capri_rob]

You need the correct socket on a very long extension bar so you can do it from the top of the engine bay

With the car on axle stands Undo the nut so it comes up to the top of the thread but dont take it off completely - you may need to put a trolley jack under the balljoint to put pressure on it to stop the balljoint spinning as you undo it

Then give it a few sharp taps with a suitably weighted tapping device and it should pop out - unto the nut, undo the wishbone and other balljoint and job done.

[capri_rob]

You can use balljoint splitters and I've heard of people tapping the subframe to get the balljoint to pop out - the socket/extension bar/hammer worked for me and I've seen more than one other person do it this way

Yes replace in Pairs ideally.

The lollipop bushes are a pain in the ass - cut the runbber to remove it from the old wishbone - then your best bet is take the new wishbone/lollipop bracket and bush to a local garge, get them to press the old lollipop bush out and new one in, and then onto the arm.

It is possible to DIY but its done in a couple of minutes with no effort using a hydraulic press - its no fun trying to do it without even if its possible you need the strength of a gorilla.

[Brianmoooore]

Fork type balljoint splitter works on this particular balljoint.
No real reason to change the control arm in pairs, but the rubber bushes should always both be changed together.
The usual recommendation on here is to go for E30 M3 eccentric control arm bushes, which increase caster and should have a much greater life than the non M3 ones. Note that BMW only supply these in pairs. The part number, and the price, are for two bushes, so only order one.

[hazd31]

Thanks guys, i will go get a fork splitter. and order a new wishbone, ill also get a pair of bushes.

[maxfield]

If you have a long enough pry bar you can usually split the ball joint by putting it between the wishbone and subframe prying it down.

[G-Bear]

This doesn't really answer the problem to where you're stuck (nut removal)..

But worth a quick watch. He's got a nice relaxing voice!!

[Martinaston]

If your going to do it with a fork you'll need an extra wide one. its at least 32mm (i think, can't remember) i ended up denting the sub frame first time i tried it and gave up.
its loads easier with an extension bar and a mallet from above.

[hazd31]

Ive brought the longer of the forks, new wishbone off ebay took less than a day to arrive, soo ill be onit monday to get this done! ill let you know how it goes!

[hazd31]

Wishbone fell straight off once i had undone the bolt!

Easy job that!