Re: HELP! Thrust Arm Ball Joints (archive)

I had the same problem. Try loosening, but not removing, the nut on the balljoint then use an air chisel/hammer with a pointed bit to "shock" the balljoint out. The pointed bit will fit in the dimple on the end of the balljoint and leaving the nut attached will stop the thrust arm from flying off. However, although I have seen this work, I was not able to do this myself as my compressor is too small. I disconnected the tie rod, thrust arm and lower control arm then removed the steering arm with both the thrust arm and the lower control arm balljoints still connected. The steering arm attaches to the bottom of the strut with three bolts. Once detached, the steering arm can be held in a vice and you can easily whack away with your pickle fork. Believe me, after all the trouble, there is a certain pleasure in whacking the offending balljoint as hard as you can with a big hammer and a pickle fork. Don't give up!

Regards

Alex Lynch
1992 735i
1972 2002

I've spent the last 1-1/2 days trying to free the thrust arm ball joint on my 89 735i! There's not enough clearance to get the pickle fork in far enough for it to force the ball joint apart. Also, beating on the stud/nut has not yielded any movement. Any tips/tricks/hints/other tools that ANYONE can recommend?

Thanks for ANY HELP!!

Steve
scaron@aol.com

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