Ball joint/bush removal tools

[Jakg]

I need to replace the rear ball joints on my BMW E91.



I've done similar jobs before (i.e. swapping the rear ball joints on my BMW Z4 and MG ZT), but I'm always stuck trying to find the right size drift (not sure if that's the word!) to push the ball joint through.

I've seen a tool sold for this job specifically, but I really want to have a set of tools so that next time I am prepared.

I've got an on-car ball joint press, which is useful but despite having a million attachments doesn't seem to help here:



Reference picture of actually being useful on my Megane



I've also got a hydraulic puller which is fantastic, but they are both quite big and awkward to get lined up and tightened in a cramped space.



This is the ball joint I need to replace - 47mm diameter on the outer casing, the rubber is 45mm diameter.



A 36mm socket is a perfect fit, but slightly larger diameter so won't push it out



I see a couple of options:

Buy a special tool for every job,

Buy a socket of the right size to push them as I need them (i.e. in this case I get a 34mm socket),

Buy a bit of pipe the right size and put something over the end,

Buy one of these kits that have a lot of sizes of sleeves - but £100!



Just wondering what people would do.

[E-bmw]

Jakg said:

I need to replace the rear ball joints on my BMW E91.

I've got an on-car ball joint press, which is useful but despite having a million attachments doesn't seem to help here:

Why doesn't it help here?

Jakg said:

I've also got a hydraulic puller which is fantastic, but they are both quite big and awkward to get lined up and tightened in a cramped space.

Remove shock/disc/disc back plate for better access, at that point you could also get some heat on the hub round the joint, wich will make it MUCH easier to push/tap out.

[julian64]

I rarely use that sort of kit anymore. Its okay for new cars but old and rusty is beyond its ability and to be honest I've done more damage to the arms and new bushes and myself with that sort of kit. I have a hydraulic puller like yours but it rarely comes out of its box.

Nowadays the arm comes off and it gets walked to a clarkes ten ton press which you can operate in perfect safety with perfect precision. It really doesn't take much longer to get the lower arm completely off to do it, and the press works first time, every time, without damaging anything.

[InitialDave]

I'd use it as an excuse to buy the set that gives more sizes.

[Jakg]

E-bmw said:

Jakg said:

I need to replace the rear ball joints on my BMW E91.

I've got an on-car ball joint press, which is useful but despite having a million attachments doesn't seem to help here:

Why doesn't it help here?

It doesn't have a pusher bit of the right size - and it's a bit large.

julian64 said:

I rarely use that sort of kit anymore. Its okay for new cars but old and rusty is beyond its ability and to be honest I've done more damage to the arms and new bushes and myself with that sort of kit. I have a hydraulic puller like yours but it rarely comes out of its box.

The first time I did this job on my MG ZT I used a socket and a threaded rod with a washer on the end, but it was so seized that everything just bent - which is how I ended up with the puller!

julian64 said:

Nowadays the arm comes off and it gets walked to a clarkes ten ton press which you can operate in perfect safety with perfect precision. It really doesn't take much longer to get the lower arm completely off to do it, and the press works first time, every time, without damaging anything.

I'd need to remove the caliper, driveshaft, abs sensor and the rest of the arms.
And then I'd still need a pusher bit to push the old one out.

InitialDave said:

I'd use it as an excuse to buy the set that gives more sizes.

Maybe I'll get this set - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B1DLLBLT/ref... - just for the bits

[julianm]

You might be lucky with a small assortment of `malleable iron` plumbing fittings as sleeves / drifts from a decent plumbing supplier.