How to Replace Front Rearward Lower Control Arms with Ball Joint 2000-2006 BMW X5
Description
This video shows you how to install a new quality TRQ lower control arm with ball joint in your 2000-2006 BMW X5. Control arms are a crucial part of the suspension system of your vehicle. They not only carry the load of the vehicle to the wheel, but they typically also maintain its alignment. Control arms are typically large and strong, so you may be surprised it needs replacing. They contain rubber bushings for smoother rides at the cost of eventual wear, or integrated ball joints that require replacing the entire arm when they wear.
Install Instructions
1. Preparation
The video opens by explaining the task: replacing the front lower rearward control arm, located behind the front tires
Prepare your workspace, gather tools including a 19 mm socket and a 22 mm socket, a 16 mm wrench, hammer, and a pulljack
2. Removing the Wheel
Using a 19 mm socket, remove the lug bolts securing the wheel
Hold the wheel firmly as you loosen the last lug bolt to prevent it from falling
Carefully pull the wheel off and set it aside
3. Removing the Nut while Protecting the CV Boot
Remove the nut securing the control arm using a 22 mm socket
To protect the CV boot from ripping during removal, place a piece of plastic as a buffer
4. Separating the Ball Joint
Separate the ball joint from the knuckle
If available, use a front-end tool that fits around the stud and presses it down
Otherwise, carefully tap the stud downward with a hammer until separated
5. Removing the Control Arm Nut and Bolt
Use a 16 mm wrench and an 18 mm socket to remove the nuts and bolts securing the control arm
Slide the bolt out and pull the damaged control arm down to remove it completely
6. Installing the New Control Arm
Insert the new control arm into position and slide the bolt back through the mounting points
Put the nut on but do not fully tighten it yet, as torquing will be done later with the suspension loaded
7. Reinstalling the Ball Joint
Carefully slide the ball joint back into the knuckle
Use the pulljack to support the lower ball joint and apply pressure to seat it
Protect the CV boot with plastic again before tightening the nut snugly (not fully tightened)
8. Torquing the Ball Joint Nut
Torque the ball joint nut to 59 ft-lbs to ensure proper tightness and safety
Remove the pulljack from the ball joint
9. Raising Suspension and Torquing the Control Arm Bolt
Using the pulljack, raise the lower control arm as close to the vehicle’s ride height as possible without compromising safety
Since placing the tire and lowering the vehicle is impractical, carefully torque the mounting bolt to 74 ft-lbs at this semi-loaded height
10. Installing the Wheel and Lug Bolts
Reinstall the wheel by aligning it properly, then insert and start the lug bolts
11. Tightening and Torquing Lug Bolts
Snug the lug bolts using a socket or wrench, then torque them to 111 ft-lbs
Perform this torquing in a cross or star pattern to evenly secure the wheel
Double-check the tightness after the initial tightening
12. Final Advice
Once installation is complete, it is crucial to have a professional alignment done on the vehicle to ensure proper handling and tire wear
The video concludes by recommending quality aftermarket parts and thanking viewers
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