Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW X5 (E53) 3.0 i, BMW X5 (E53) 3.0 i … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front suspension arm / front control arm on BMW X5 (E53) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for X5 (E53) and other BMW models

Link Set, wheel suspension

Rod / Strut, wheel suspension

Track Control Arm

BMW X5 (E53) 3.0 i

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. Tools you might need:

                        Wire brush
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Copper grease 
                      
                        Combination spanner #18
                      
                        Combination spanner #22
                      
                        Drive socket # 18 
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #19
                      
                        Ball joint puller
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Rubber mallet
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. AUTODOC experts recommend:

The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right lower control arms.
Replacement of the independent suspension lower arm in some cars requires a part of the outlet piping of the additional heater to be removed.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 2

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.Use wheel impact socket #19.
Step 3

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. Tip:

To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 5

Remove the wheel.
Step 6

Clean all joints of the arm.Use a wire brush.Treat all joints of the arm.Use WD-40 spray.

AUTODOC recommends:

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 7

Unscrew the ball joint fastening nut.Use a combination spanner #22.
Step 8

Unscrew the arm fastening from the subframe.Use a drive socket #18.Use a combination spanner #18.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 9

Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.Use a ball joint puller.
Step 10

Prop up the steering knuckle.Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 11

Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle.Use a crowbar.
Step 12

Remove the fastening bolt. Use a rubber mallet.
Step 13

Remove the arm.
Step 14

Lower the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. AUTODOC recommends:

Lower the hydraulic transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging assemblies and mechanisms.
Step 15.1

Clean the mounting seats and the thread of the suspension arm.

Step 15.2

Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 16

Install a new arm.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
Step 17

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 18

Insert the ball joint into the steering knuckle and fix it with a new nut.
Step 19

Tighten the arm fastening to the subframe.Use a drive socket #18.Use a combination spanner #18.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 90 nm torque.
Step 20

Tighten the ball joint fastening nut.Use a combination spanner #22.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 80 nm torque.
Step 21

Remove the support from under the arm.

AUTODOC recommends:

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 22

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.Treat the contacting surface.Use copper grease.
Step 23

Install the wheel.

Replacement: front lower arm – BMW X5 E53. Tip from AUTODOC:

To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 24

Screw in the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #19.
Step 25

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 120 nm torque.
Step 26

Remove the jacks and chocks.

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