BMW E39 control arm bushings and ball joints
How do I remove an E39 control arm or tie rod ball joint without damaging it?
Use a suitable puller so the rubber boot does not tear. If the puller does not help, a short, steep wedge-type fork separator released the joint with one blow. The fork can damage the brake dust shield, so be careful.
Should the E39 lower control arm ball joint be replaced separately or the whole arm?
The ball joint usually cannot be bought separately, so the whole control arm is replaced. The recommendation is to replace both sides. If the ball joint is loose, replacing just the bushing will not help.
How do I replace the thrust arm bushings with PowerFlex bushings?
The old bushing comes out with a press or a puller, with help from a sledgehammer if needed. It does not need to be kept intact, and it can also be drilled and sawn out. Pressing does not affect the ball joint if the joint will not come off without the correct puller.
Why does the end of the E39 lower control arm with the bushing come loose after tightening?
The bolts are tightened with the wheels on the ground, but the end can still loosen if the sleeve is larger than the bolt and the parts are not a matching pair. Retightening fixed the problem. Check that the bolt and sleeve fit together.