Checking and replacing ball joints (BMW 5 Series E28)

Examination

There are ball joints on the outer ends of the suspension arm and support arms.

1. Jack up the vehicle and securely place it on axle stands.

2. Visually inspect the dust boot between the ball joint and the subframe or steering knuckle for cuts, tears, or grease leaks. If any of these are present, replace the control arm or support arm - the ball joints cannot be replaced separately.

3. Place a large lever under the ball joint and try to push it up. Then place the same lever between the control arm and the subframe or steering knuckle. If you see or feel any play during the inspection, the ball joint is worn.

4. Ask an assistant to grasp the wheel from above and below and rock it in the direction along the axis. Feel the nut of the ball joint stud. If you feel any play, the ball joint stud may be worn out or the hole in the subframe or steering knuckle may be broken.

5. If such a problem occurs, the subframe or the steering arm, which are inseparable from the strut body, as well as the ball joint, should be replaced.

Replacement

Neither of these ball joints can be replaced or serviced separately. If one of them is worn out, the entire control arm must be replaced.