Bilstein/ H&R install

[MattE30]

On Thursday I am installing my bilstein sports and my h&r sports. I was wondering if anyone ran into any problems, or if there is something I should look out for during the install. Thanks.

[LikeCDoos]

let me know it will be doing this install this summer, except with eibachs most likely.

[randomtask37]

it was a pretty strait forward install for me, but i also had a pretty experienced friend help me the whole way.

i think the most frustrating part was fitting the rear springs in because where the spring is held wouldnt drop low enough. we just had to get a pry bar and have our way with it.

EDIT: also, dont fuck with shitty spring compressors, ive herd painfull stories...

[nando]

it's really simple on RWD E30s. You have to disconnect the sway bar links in the back to lower the trailing arms enough to remove the old springs. changing the rear shocks is cake (15 minute job at the most). The front is a little more involved, but it's not that tough. you have take the outer ball joint and tie rod off the strut, discconect the control arm bushing "eye" from the frame of the car, remove the strut mount nuts, and drop the strut off (also have to take off the brakes, duh). with the strut out of the car and a decent spring compressor, changing the front springs/strut inserts isn't too hard either. if you're using bilstiens, don't put oil in the strut tube!!

probably the hardest thing about the front struts is the collar nut at the top, it usually rusts on. Use some penetrating oil (anything but WD-40 will work) and a big fat pipe wrench. you'll destroy the old collar nut but your struts should come with new ones. you should also use all new lock nuts for the ball joint, strut mounts and tie rod.

an alignment may or may not be neccesary. be prepared to pay for one just in case (I didn't need one).

[LikeCDoos]

whats the deal with not putting oil with bilstiens??

[aaron_silva]

What nando said about the strut collar works well. Also, I have used a chisile and a hammer, stuck the tip of the chisile in one of the holes in the top of the collar, and gave it a few whacks. It will get loose enough to undo the rest by hand. Other than that, be careful with the spring compressors. Once the spring is compressed, back it off slowly when you are ready to release it. ;)

Aaron

[BMW BMXER]

EDIT: also, dont fuck with shitty spring compressors, ive herd painfull stories...

A compressor came of my spring and the spring caught me in the knee. Luckily it did not expand all the way oru hit me that hard but it was still pruple for awhile.

Blisteins require no oil this is true.

[franz]

nando, why remove lollipops? that is not necessary

[nando]

it makes it easier to drop the strut out. they're only 2 bolts, no big deal.

you guys are lucky. when I want to remove my front struts I have to pull them off the front axles and mess with the sway bar links :P

[aaron_silva]

It was a biotch for me to get teh ball joints of the tie rod out with out the help of a puller. I just worked it until it got loose.

Aaron

[nando]

I just used a BFH. took a few good wacks. a puller would work too though. I think a good dead blow hammer is one of the best tools you can buy for working on a car. :twisted:

[///M42 sport]

yeah,Don't add oil in the front strut assemblies for Bilsteins

The reason is that they rely on a inverted design. Putting oil would cause the strut to heat up faster resulting in faster wear.

Springs and struts where the FIRST ever project I've ever done on a car.

I think the most helpful tool to get is a racheted wrench to tighten those damn spring compressors.

Pm me if you need beginners advice.
________
HORNY

[aaron_silva]

BFH's rock!

[Jordan]

I think the most helpful tool to get is a racheted wrench to tighten those damn spring compressors.

Say it with me...

IMPACT GUN

ZIIIIP ZIIIP done

[LikeCDoos]

i love my impact wrench. I'd like to get a ratchet as well, they seem to be better for areas that tight on space.