33 32 047 Replacing a ball joint in trailing arm for upper control arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 3 33133 3 330 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TOOL
33 3 33233 3 330 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TOOL
33 3 33333 3 330 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TOOL
33 3 33433 3 330 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TOOL

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove coil spring, see 33 53 000 Removing and installing / replacing rear left or right coil spring .
Remove upper control arm from trailing arm, see 33 32 071 Replacing one upper control arm .

Measure and note down protrusion (A) of old ball joint.

Fig 1: Down Protrusion Distance Of Ball Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull out ball joint with special tools 33 3 331 , 33 3 332 and 33 3 333 .

Fig 2: Special Tool (33 3 332), (33 3 331) And (33 3 333)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Keep trailing arm eye and ball joint (1) clean and free from oil and grease.

Draw in new ball joint (1) with special tools 33 3 332 , 33 3 333 and 33 3 334 to previously determined protrusion (A).

Fig 3: Special Tool (33 3 332), (33 3 334) And (33 3 333)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION