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How to Replace Front Lower Ball Joints 2000-2006 BMW X5

Description

This video shows you how to install new, quality TRQ ball joints on your 2000-2006 BMW X5. Car and truck suspensions combine a number of moving parts for safe and stable handling. The ball joint is the crucial moving component that ties those parts together. The ball-in-socket joint can wear out and loosen over time. Or, the rubber protective boot can tear, allowing contaminants to seize the joint. Bad ball joints are a common failure point on vehicle inspections because they lead to unsafe driving conditions. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to replace with the right know-how.

Install Instructions

1. Remove the Wheel
  • Use a 19 mm socket to remove the lug bolts
  • Hold the wheel as you remove the last bolt and pull the wheel off
2. Remove Underbody Panel
  • Use an 8 mm socket to remove the fasteners along the front and back
  • Remove any push pins on the sides, then slide the panel down and off
3. Detach Ball Joint Nut
  • Use a 22 mm socket to remove the nut securing the ball joint
  • Use a front-end puller to separate the ball joint from the control arm
4. Move Inner Fender Well
  • Use an 8 mm socket to remove bolts holding the inner fender well
  • Pull it back slightly and rest it over the brake rotor
5. Remove Air Duct
  • Remove two bolts using an 8 mm socket to loosen the air duct and move it out of the way
6. Loosen Control Arm and Remove Bolts
  • Use a 21 mm wrench and 21 mm socket to loosen the nut
  • Remove two E12 bolts holding the ball joint
7. Remove Axle Nut
  • Use a punch to unpeen the nut, then use a 36 mm 12-point socket to remove the axle nut
8. Separate Outer Tie Rod
  • Use a 22 mm socket to remove the tie rod nut
  • Use a front-end puller to separate the tie rod from the knuckle
9. Remove Rearward Lower Control Arm
  • Use an 18 mm wrench and a 16 mm socket to remove the bolt and nut, allowing the arm to come down
10. Separate Lower Control Arm and Remove Axle
  • Use an 18 mm socket to remove the nut and move the lower control arm
  • Pull out the axle and move it aside
11. Remove Old Ball Joint
  • Use an air hammer to remove the old ball joint
  • Clean the mounting area with a wire brush
12. Install New Ball Joint
  • Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the new ball joint
  • Slide it in and start the bolts
  • Torque them to 59 ft-lb while holding the rotor steady
13. Reattach Rearward Control Arm
  • Align and insert the bolt into the rearward control arm
  • Add the nut but do not fully torque yet
14. Reinstall Sway Bar Link and Tie Rod
  • Install the sway bar link and tighten the nut
  • Install the tie rod into the knuckle and snug the nut using a pry bar
15. Attach Front Lower Control Arm
  • Position the control arm over the ball joint
  • Use a socket and extension to align it, then raise it with a pulljack to simulate ride height and tighten the nut
16. Torque Control Arm and Axle Nut
  • Torque the ball joint nut to 74 ft-lb plus 90°
  • Torque the control arm bolt to 74 ft-lb
  • Install and torque the axle nut to 310 ft-lb while preventing rotor spin with a pry bar
17. Secure Axle Nut
  • Peen the axle nut using a punch
  • Torque other related nuts to 59 ft-lb and 47 ft-lb as needed
18. Reinstall Underbody Shield and Wheel
  • Reinstall the lower shield and tighten all screws
  • Mount the wheel and snug down the lug bolts
19. Torque Wheel Lug Bolts
  • Torque the lug bolts to 111 ft-lbs in a cross pattern
  • Double check the tightness
  • Get an alignment after completing the job

Tools

General Tools
  • Floor Jack
  • Hammer
  • Jack Stands
  • Pole Jack
  • Punch
  • Wheel Chocks
  • Wire Brush
Ratchets & Related
  • Ratchet
  • Socket Extensions
Sockets - Metric
  • 8mm Socket
  • 16mm Socket
  • 18mm Socket
  • 19mm Socket
  • 21mm Socket
  • 22mm Socket
  • 36mm 12-point socket
Specialty Tools
  • Ball Joint Press
Star Drivers & Sockets
  • E12 Inverted Torx Socket
Wrenches - Metric
  • 18mm Wrench
  • 21mm wrench

Supplies

Materials, Fluids, and Supplies
  • Anti-Seize Grease
  • Gloves
  • Safety Glasses