Control Arm Removal

[style54109]

So I was taking apart a 1988 325i to replace the control arms and the bushings there, and there are these stupid self locking nuts. All they do is spin when you put a wrench on them. I even have the manual and it just says to take them off. How the hell do you get them off? And is it possible to tighten them back at least if nothing else?

 

[jrt67ss350]

I assume you are talking about the self-locking nuts on the inner and/or outer ball joints? If so, just stick a jack under the ball joint and use that to apply pressure to the joint - that'll keep them from spinning while you loosen the nuts.

 

[style54109]

Sweet! That worked great, thanks!

 

[jrt67ss350]

No problem - glad you got it worked out.

 

[Alfetta159]

Can you get the ball joints out of the control arm w/o removing the control arm from the car? I'm thinking I'm going to have to replace at least one (for $45) but if I have to pull the arm, I'll just replace the whole arm for $95! Thanks, danp

 

[Doughnut]

Hmmmmmmm, you can replace the old ball joint with the arm still in the car, but that involves great force (smashing the hell out with hammer) actually yes, pull the arm out, and press the old ball joint out. save you so much pain.