Correct ball joint tool?

[rwthomas1]

Hello All,
My 540i is in need of upper control arm bushings. The tierods, swaybar links and idler arm are new and all else is nice and tight after prying away at it to check. The upper control arm bushings however are shot on the drivers side and on its way on the passenger. Looks pretty straightforward, I'm very experienced with suspension work, but not BMW. I know I need the correct tool to separate the balljoints. Does anyone know where to get one? Rent one? I'll well aware an old fashioned picklefork won't do on a car like this..... I figure remove the control arm, press out old, press in new, reinstall. Considering the urethane bushing upgrade too. Any input is appreciated.

TIA, RT

[edjack]

ball joint tool. I haven't used it yet, but the video here is impressive:

http://www.[Oops!].com/forums/showthread.php?p=5590013
Ed in San Jose. BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319). Golden Gate Chapter. '97 540i 6 speed. Build Date 3/97. Aspensilber over Aubergine leather.

[rwthomas1]

Bad link? Can't get that to work...
RT

[edjack]

substitute B i m m e r fest (remove spaces) for [Oops!]

I didn't think to check my post.
Ed in San Jose. BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319). Golden Gate Chapter. '97 540i 6 speed. Build Date 3/97. Aspensilber over Aubergine leather.

[rwthomas1]

Most excellent thank you. I have a MIG, drill press and a selection of bar stock already.... Thats an easy thing to fab up! RT

[Bmw540san]

It's not 100% fit, but if you're patient and tighten in stages, it'll pop it out. If you tighten it too fast, it'll break off. I've learned that after breaking 2 of them. There is a special BMW tool as well, but it costs close to $300.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html



1998 BMW 540i 6 speed
Arctic silver, M sport suspension (euro delivery), prod. date 05/98, non VANOS
Staggered 18" style 32 OEM wheels
3.15 open differential
Remus exhaust
AFE CAI with improved heat shield
Z3 shifter
VDO oil pressure and temperature gauges in place of headlight/fog switches
Powder coated valve covers-satin black
CDV delete
Debadged
AEA DRL module (aftermarket daytime running lights)

1997 BMW 528iA
Alpine white, premium package, prod. date 04/97, single VANOS
Staggered 17" style 32 OEM wheels
Debadged
AEA DRL module
Custom made sun blinds for rear seating area

2000 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner, AKA "The Work Horse"

Garage aids:
Direct Lift Pro Park 8
Campbell Hausfeld 28 gallon oil lubricated air compressor
Newair ACP-1400H portable air conditioner and heater
Auto Enginuity scan tool with BMW enhanced option
Actron 9135 scan tool-for quick readouts

[300Kkms325e]

d
here
Good luck
Jan/1998 528i, 5 spd manual, black on black non DSP.>300Kkms(180Kmiles) non-Sport, lowered with KONI FSD & Eibach springs in 2008, added "Bad Road package Adapters" to front only Dec 2009.
My previous rides worth mentioning:1970 GTO "The Judge",1985 325e M3lite, Euro BMW +
1998 323Ti, in Munich, Germany on the autobahn for 1 yr
Now back in Halifax, Nova Scotia,via Ottawa Canada.

[Craig in Canada]

[rwthomas1]

Harbor Freight number 99849, can be modified easily to remove tall balljoints if needed. RT

[Craig in Canada]

[rwthomas1]

If you can't find what you need in the Great White North I'll mail you the HF tool. RT

[300Kkms325e]

Sorry for the delay, am not much here anymore.


Jan/1998 528i, 5 spd manual, black on black non DSP.>300Kkms(180Kmiles) non-Sport, lowered with KONI FSD & Eibach springs in 2008, added "Bad Road package Adapters" to front only Dec 2009.
My previous rides worth mentioning:1970 GTO "The Judge",1985 325e M3lite, Euro BMW +
1998 323Ti, in Munich, Germany on the autobahn for 1 yr
Now back in Halifax, Nova Scotia,via Ottawa Canada.