Removing Rusted Knees/Struts

[RobTapps88]

Basically the top retaining caps for the front suspension on my 86 ETA have rusted completely off.. there's not even threads left :( This is causing the struts to "float" in the knee assemblys. The major PITA is every time I try and jack the car up the wheels stay on the ground. Just wondering the safest way to remove the old knee assemblys with out any springs breaking my face open?

Also if anyone knows a cheaper option than stock e30 knee assemblys don't hesitate to speak up lol I'm looking for a more conventional bolt on strut option for the front end.

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

[RobTapps88]

Wow 91 views and a month later and not one person has any advice?? C'mon!?!??!? Fuck it guess I'm gonna be the guinea pig here to find a cheaper removable suspension option with out having to 5lug swap..

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

[jeffnhiscars]

If I'm not clear on what a retaining cap or knee assembly is, there may be others. Perhaps a pic or 2 ?

[RobTapps88]

If I'm not clear on what a retaining cap or knee assembly is, there may be others. Perhaps a pic or 2 ?

Knee assembly and retaining cap

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

[jeffnhiscars]

Well...that's your strut housing and if the threads are gone you're only option is to replace the housing. Probably should do both sides since they are almost certainly in very similar condition.


Oh...and that is EXTRAORDINARILY dangerous. I would not drive that until it's repaired

[M-technik-3]

Time to purchase two new struts or used that are in good condition. R squared.

[RobTapps88]

Well...that's your strut housing and if the threads are gone you're only option is to replace the housing. Probably should do both sides since they are almost certainly in very similar condition.


Oh...and that is EXTRAORDINARILY dangerous. I would not drive that until it's repaired

I'm well aware that both are hooptied was just hoping for some more insight into using different options to avoid welding on coilovers. It's gonna cost a grand to go stock or $1200(ish) to go coils.. but I would love to avoid welding them on.

A strut housing is just that a strut housing(holds the strut together).. a knee assembly is the "knuckle" attached to the strut. After calling every scrap yard with in 200km of me and getting talked to like I'm an idiot when I asked for a "strut housing" I started calling it by its name.

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

[RobTapps88]

Time to purchase two new struts or used that are in good condition. R squared.

Yea ^refer to above post^ :( maybe hack the tubes off like you would to weld coilovers on but insert and weld some eyelets for bolt on coilovers instead of welding them on.. I mean other cars run single bolt coils right? If it's centered why wouldn't it work just like any other suspension setup?

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

[jeffnhiscars]

ifnthe threads are rusted away the rest of it isn't far behind so should not be welded....but since it seems you have all the answers not sure why you are here asking questions.

[RobTapps88]

ifnthe threads are rusted away the rest of it isn't far behind so should not be welded....but since it seems you have all the answers not sure why you are here asking questions.

I far from have all the answers.. and basically just brainstorming at the moment..

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

[jeffnhiscars]

I far from have all the answers.. and basically just brainstorming at the moment..

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk

Fair enough. So the consensus of opinion is that you should not use those in any form. Tough if you are in Prince George or Cranbrook but used struts ar not that expensive even w shipping. There's a used BMW parts store in Duncan and afaik they have a good reputation. Give them a try

[RobTapps88]

Fair enough. So the consensus of opinion is that you should not use those in any form. Tough if you are in Prince George or Cranbrook but used struts ar not that expensive even w shipping. There's a used BMW parts store in Duncan and afaik they have a good reputation. Give them a try

Thanks for the heads up on the place in Duncan will have to lurk them.. the only place I found that had any wanted $600 for fronts.. "U pull them" I was like "fuck that.." and have been stressing about it ever since..

Sent from my LG-H831 using Tapatalk