bottom control arm

[listere30]

What's the quickest and easiest way to do them?
Any links to a how-to guide or anything?

Sorry if this has been previously asked its just a mess on using me phone for searches

Thanks in advance

[milescook]

My advice for the ball joint seperation is forget hammers, pickle forks etc. Use a proper scissor type seperator.

[Grrrmachine]

I'd agree with miles. I've done this job a few times and a ball-joint separator is a must.

[listere30]

Ball joint isnt the issue, its the part that bolts through the subframe
What is the best way to tackle this?

again is there no guides or nothing?

[GB69]

hit subframe with hammer, it always pops out eventually.

[Grrrmachine]

Not many guides out that tell you how to undo five bolts. But essentially if either joint won't pop out, then screw the nut back on to protect the thread and then belt it with a hammer.

[listere30]

Is dropping the subframe the only way to get access to the nut?
I presume so but worth an ask lol

[Grrrmachine]

Never heard of anyone dropping the subframe to do this job! However, the last time I did it I used about a metre's worth of socket extensions to get the inner joint nut undone, by undoing it from above the engine with a breaker bar.

[macas]

Never heard of anyone dropping the subframe to do this job! However, the last time I did it I used about a metre's worth of socket extensions to get the inner joint nut undone, by undoing it from above the engine with a breaker bar.

That's right,if you have a pit you can replace the arms without actually taking the wheels off.

[BHadley]

I had to remove the exhaust on my old 318i to get the drivers side nut off the subframe. Passenger side is easier and I used a ball joint breaker like a two prong fork and a lump hammer plus lots extensions and AirTunes and impact sockets, 22mm I think for the deep socket....

[BHadley]

Sorry that's air gun not AirTunes, blame apples anal spell help!