Just put in new tie-rods yesterday and saw that both lower ball joints are very loose.

So I had heard at one point that its easier to replace the entire control arm rather than pressing in a ball joint. Is this true?

Control arms are a bit spendy:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=314+888+8888+

But the ball joints require special tools and add up to almost the cost of one control arm:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=314+888+8888+

I'd be more inclined to just swap arms if it's that much easier since I'm short on time anyway.


Lookin for some advice for those who have done this before. This will be my first experience pressing ball joints.

From the looks of the tools, it seems as though a simple large C-Clamp could be used as a press. Is this true?


Thanks in advance for the help.

Get control arms, imho and from some experience here. (had my FCABs done last year, did my CA's a few weeks ago)

I'd go aftermarket at that - generally the arms/ball bearings last longer, and there are a few aftermarket (names escapes me) where the ball bearing is 'meant' to be easily swapped unlike the OEM - and then some that claim you'll never need to replace the BB before you replace the CA's) Check around. I wouldn't suggest changing the ball bearings on OEM control arms (sort of like, putting new tires on warped wheels - see what I did thar?).. If the ball bearings are failing, it's a sure bet the control arms are not too far behind, and have felt the same beating the BB's took.

That and slapping in new control arms is a whole lot easier than dealing with repacking those damn things.. Sorta like just replacing the darn rubber bushing on a CAB and not just replacing the whole thing. I'm down with budgets and all but, functional items are not where you make the wallet cut (silly stuff like lights, and stickers are where you can do that). ;)

get the meyle HD control arms from bimmerworld.com with new FCAB from bimmerworld too.

It was my most extensive diy to date and I did it by myself on a Saturday with pretty basic tools.

I difinitely second changing the whole arm out.....the steering feels 10x better with fresh parts everywhere.