98 S70 trouble removing the control arms...

martz010185 · Post by **martz010185** » 10 Mar 2009, 16:47

I've been working on my 98 S70 and I have the axle nuts removed, the hub separated from the axle, and now I'm trying to get the control arm balljoint separated from the steering knuckle. I can't seem to pry it down any further to get it out, even though I tried to pull open the bracket with a screwdriver. Should I just remove the bolts attaching it to the subframe? Also, I'm planning on putting in new control arms when I'm finished with the CV joint, should I expect a rough time getting the new balljoint into the steering knuckle?

Also, is it possible to remove the CV joint without taking the whole axle out? Can I just tap the CV joint off the axle and clean it up then?

Thanks!

five40i · Post by **five40i** » 10 Mar 2009, 17:06

Hi;
Sorry to hear you are having problems with a control arm. What to do is...
Take the bolts for the control arm loose from the frame and see if a wee wiggle can loosen up the ball joint. If not just undo the bolts all the way, the control arm will swing free and you should be able to get the ball joint out. Now as for taking off the CV joint. I don't pull the axles out when I replace them on Beemers. If you are replacing the boot and the joint or just the boot, just cut the old boot off with a razor blade and then knock the joint off with a hammer. You may have to use a bit of force to get it past the lock ring on the end of the shaft. When you go to install the CV joint DO NOT hit the end of the CV joint with the hammer as you will Booger up the threads. I use a plastic dead blow hammer to put them back on as it takes a good hit to get it past the lock ring and all the grease you have just put in the joint.
Hope this helps.

Hugh Wilson

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 10 Mar 2009, 18:05

Also, I'm planning on putting in new control arms when I'm finished with the CV joint, should I expect a rough time getting the new balljoint into the steering knuckle?

That will be the easiest part of the job. Many others say to just wobble it around and it will fall out. Perhaps it is the millions of tons of salt that they lay down around here but I have always had to beat the crap out of the ball joint with a pickle for to get it to come free.

As much as I've always had a horrible time getting the ball joint separated from the steering knuckle it will go back easily. I use a floor jack and slowly jack it up until the groove on the shaft of the ball joint is lined up with the bolt and then just push the bolt through. A long Phillips screwdriver can help you to align the groove. Go slow, there will be very little resistance.

...Lee