33 32 125 Replacing a ball joint in lower steering knuckle / wheel carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 BMW 550i and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 3 333 . See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .
33 4 191
33 4 192
33 4 193
33 4 194

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove push rod/integral link .
Remove stabilizer link from swinging arm .
Remove spring strut shock absorber/shock absorber from wheel carrier/swinging arm .

Reconditioning special tool:

Cut highlighted area out of special tool 33 4 191 and then deburr.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (33 4 191)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove circlip (1).

Pull out ball joint with special tools 33 4 193, 33 4 191, 33 4 192 and 33 3 333 . Slotted side of special tool 33 4 191 must point to wheel carrier.

Installation:

Install new circlip (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (33 4 191, 33 3 333, 33 4 193 And 33 4 192)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Draw in new ball joint (1) with special tools 33 3 333, 33 4 192, 33 4 191 and 33 4 194 as far as it will go.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (33 4 191, 33 3 333, 33 4 194 And 33 4 192)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .