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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 See 3352000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER or 3352010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER (M3)
Remove CAMBER ARM FROM WHEEL CARRIER
Remove TRAILING ARM FROM WHEEL CARRIER

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

Fig 1: Removing Ball Joint Using Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Push in new ball joint until it stops using special tools 33 4 481, 33 4 474, 33 4 475, 33 4 466 and 33 4 465.

Fig 2: Installing Ball Joint Using Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Perform chassis alignment check See 3200150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 3200155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD