E36 TCA Ball Joint

[L19JGB]

I know this question has probably been asked before but I can't find the answer

Can the ball joint be replaced (easily) or does the whole track control arm have to be replaced?

[Ric_Vezza]

Yes but you need a special tool to remove and install them.

[L19JGB]

Got a reasonable price for the ball joint, where can I beg/borrow/steal/hire the tool. Also how easy is it to swap the ball joint?

[aj_mckay]

You're better off replacing the whole control arm for an E30 one. They're only about 50 quid each if I remember right and are much easier to replace than going to the hassle of pressing in a new ball joint.

[si-]

just changed both on my e36 change the whole arm, e30 ones have better ball joints the e36 ones are mounted in rubber and that perishes the e30 are solid mounted

[e30bmlover]

E36's chew balljoints! not to mention rear axle bushes too.. put the e30 ones on!!