33 32 024 Replacing a ball joint in trailing arm

Special tools required: 

• 33 3 331
• 33 3 332
• 33 3 333
• 33 3 334

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Detach wishbone at top from trailing arm. See REPLACING TOP LEFT CONTROL ARM  or REPLACING TOP RIGHT CONTROL ARM .
• Remove BRAKE DISC .
• Detach BRAKE GUARD PLATE .

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

Fig 1: Identifying Protrusion 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: Pulling Out Ball Joint Using Special Tools (33 3 331), (33 3 332) 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: Installing Ball Joint Using Special Tools (33 3 332), (33 3 333) And (33 3 334)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Carry out WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE .