How To Replace The Thrust Control Arms And Ball Joints On A BMW X5

Brian Eslick from How to Automotive www.howtoautomo... takes you step-by-step through the process of replacing the thrust arm or sometimes called control arms and ball joints on a 1999-2006 BMW X5 E53.
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Owing to factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modification of this information, or improper use of this information. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick recommends safe practice when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jacks and jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemical lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Because of factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, no information contained in this video shall express or imply warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How to Automotive/Brain Eslick. #howtoautomotive #AutoRepair #BrianEslick

[@kennandlal3943]

Thanks..your step by step procedure was easy to follow and very well explained

[@lucast7687]

Even 6 years later… this saved my ass thank you brother!!!

[@lootzhimbeyohimbe6346]

Shouldn’t the final torque to the subframe be completed after the vehicle has been lowered ?

[@jeffreytaylor8103]

for the bushing end, yes

[@idontwannaidontwanna7307]

ThanK you. You've gained a new subscriber today. Your videos are incredibly easy to follow. Thank you!

[@ewebbytrailscout]

i thought you needed to tighten the bolts for control are with it on a ground to avoid binding?

[@samking4179]

2:55 ... why didn't you show how you removed the thruster arm ball joint (lower ball joint)? that's the hardest part of the operation. probably took you 10 hours to get that thing out. all these videos on youtube skip over that part like the thing just falls right out. not so.

[@sremo1518]

I have been stuck on this for days

[@classics381]

I removed the whole hub then hit it out

[@thetoughcookie3665]

Nice video, you included the plastic parts aswell, thanks.

[@erickm7137]

Good Video, Thanks, saved me some money there! Do you have anything on CV joint Boot replacement? I have dismounted the arms and noticed both sides have the boot torn apart.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

I don’t have a video at this time but if one comes in I’ll film it.

[@jameslatimer1432]

Shouldn't you have put the arm in tension and then jack the leg up a bit and then tighten in the bolt? Or let car back down on wheels ,then tighten bolt

[@chrisfleming5109]

Very good video and well presented. top job buddy.

[@Bavarian_M]

Great video

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Thank you!

[@MrRonluker]

My ball joint won't budge with a 3lb hammer on the control arm with the nut off as well. Your video skips right over the hardest part I have encountered. So does auto doc for that matter. In my case, I need a special press to avoid taking the cv joint out, or super-unglue. Any ideas?

[@samking4179]

Yes, exactly. Most videos like this on youtube OVERSIMPLIFY the most difficult parts. The hard part in this job is getting the ball joint out. It is usually so corroded in it won't want to budge. Wailing on the control arm may damage it and if the problem is only a bad ball joint why would one want to buy a new thrust arm (control arm)? One wouldn't. So a good video would be, "how to remove a stubborn ball joint..."

[@ronfowler9563]

@1:14 how long did it take for the ball joint to come out?

[@jamesbrown4401]

to long. i just wrote a quick explanation. its not super easy like he makes it seem

[@jamesbrown4401]

@livey oone explanation for. ?? the ball joint removal. its like 2 comments down. do you need some advice on taking it out. its a pain in the ass to remove. i can tell you what to do.

[@jamesbrown4401]

remove both control arms. the forward and rearward. the tie rod can stay and the sway bar link can stay. rent an axle press. i went to auto zone. cost me $50. put a screwdriver or something similar in between the brake caliper and rotor so the rotor wont turn. remove the axle nut. 36mm for my x5. press the axle out of the hub. move it aside. turn the steering wheel away from the side your working on. if its the drivers side turn it to the passenger. and same way goes for the passenger. opposite direction. remove the 2 torx bolts holding the ball joint in the knuckle. now you have a clear shot at the ball joint from above. get a pipe or old jack pipe is what i used. put it on top of the ball joint and send it with at least a 3 or 4lb hammer. i had someone pull the rotor away to give me a little more access to it. that should do it for you. if it doesnt lmk and ill help you a little more if i can.

[@jamesbrown4401]

@livey oone it's not as hard as you think. It's hard to do it without. How else can you get it out. If it's been in there for 100.000 and miles. Its rust welded in. You can do it. Just do it like I said. Have you started any work on it yet.

[@jamesbrown4401]

@livey oone. wouldnt use heat unless its absolutely necessary. mine is also an 06. the torx bolts arent badd. w.e. you do. make sure that you spray it with wd40 or pb blaster. ive found that penetrating oil really works and will make a difference. the flanges on the ball joint will be rusted to the knuckle. i used a flat head screwdriver to chisel around the edges to break it loose somewhat. thst still doesnt work. it needs force to move. hit it from above. take the axle out of the knuckle and send it. you have all the info you need to do it. if you need help help or advice just send me a mssg. ill msg u back and we'll get it out.

[@TheShadowman68]

Brian great video thanks. Getting ready to do the same job. Ques: HOW in the world does 1A Auto sell parts at such a LOW price? Much much lower than anyone. Are these QUALTITY parts? Presume they are otherwise you wouldn't be using them

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

TheShadowman68 I read some bad reviews did you order from them and what are your thoughts on the parts?

[@jamesbrown4401]

60lbs is not enough for the ball joint. its almost 90. nice try

[@coreygerard5444]

not a good video. only shows easy parts ? why? Video does not help me out at all

[@jeff_desir]

I suspect all these bushings fail prematurely because everyone torques the bolts while the car is in the air...

[@coreygerard5444]

not a good video. only shows easy parts ? why? Video does not help me out at all

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Corey Gerard what did it miss?

[@jamesbrown4401]

bc thats how he gets you to bring it to him lol