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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 135i, 2009 BMW 135i, and 2008 BMW 135i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 4 465
33 4 466
33 4 474
33 4 475
33 4 481
33 4 482

See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

NOTE: E90, E91 from 09/2008:
For driving dynamic reasons, both ball joints must be replaced on first replacement. After replacing the rubber mounts, mark wheel carriers with punch marks. If the punch marks are provided, the ball joints can be changed again individually.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove coil spring at rear
If necessary, remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from camber arm bracket
Remove rear shock absorber from rubber mount
Remove camber arm from wheel carrier
Remove trailing arm from wheel carrier

Pull out ball joint with special tools 33 4 465, 33 4 466, 33 4 475, 33 4 474 and 33 4 482.

Fig 1: Pulling Out Ball Joint Using Special Tools 33 4 465, 33 4 466, 33 4 475, 33 4 474 And 33 4 482

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Draw in new ball joint with special tools 33 4 481, 33 4 474, 33 4 475, 33 4 466 and 33 4 465 as far as it will go.

Fig 2: Installing Ball Joint Using Special Tools 33 4 48, 33 4 474, 33 4 475, 33 4 466 And 33 4 465

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See ELECTRONIC CHASSIS ALIGNMENT .