Front strut replacement w/o removing hub

[the bob]

Hello all,

I am going to replace my front and rear shocks with bilstein tourings. I am wondering if anyone has had any success with removing the front strut without taking off the ball joints and caliper. My mechanic friend thinks we can just remove the three bolts holding the strut to the hub (he is a 70 year old german mechanic who owns his own shop)

Has anyone had any success with this.

It seems like It would make the job a bit easier than it sound with the removal of the entire hub

If it is possible to do it that way what are the draw backs

thanks alot

I will let everyone know how it turns out



bob

[Stu]

Unfortunately, no, not on standard 318/325 struts. The E30 M3, on the other hand, has 2 piece struts where dropping the ball-joints is not required.

You'll have to drop the ball joints, you can read about a quick, easy way to do it here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12248

[the bob]

Thank you for your quick reply.


I looks like it is all one piece.

that sucks


thanks


bob

[Nick325is]

If you are talking about changing the front shocks and springs without dropping the ball joints then yes it can be done. I did mine without taking anything off but the sway bar links and rotor and caliper.



Nick

[the bob]

that is what I am asking.

Iis it possible. was there any tricks to it.

Thanks for all the imput.


bob

[Stu]

If you are talking about changing the front shocks and springs without dropping the ball joints then yes it can be done. I did mine without taking anything off but the sway bar links and rotor and caliper.



Nick

:shock:

Interesting. How is this done? Do you slide the strut tube through the hole in the shock tower? I suppose it is possible to compress the spring and put it all back together while on the car. Is getting the spring on over the newly installed strut difficult?

Thanks,
Stu

[schnitzer teil-jäger]

loosen sway bar mounts
remove top 3 13mm bolts on top bearing
compress spring with rod and shackle compressers
push down on strut housing and pull top out
it will barely clear the fender
install new strut inserts and springs
reasemble
don't forget the sway bar link
w


i was robbed and they stole my sig...

[Stu]

Gotcha. Cool.

[Nick325is]

Yeah, the whole thing barely cleared the fender to get it out and put it back in. But it did save me the effort of having to drop the ball joints.


Nick

[Stu]

Had I not been swapping strut housings when I did me last spring/shock swap, I would have done it this way. Good info fellas.

[the bob]

Hello all

and thanks for the imput.

I am going to try to do it today. we shall see how it goes

Is it easier just to remove the ball joint and control arm like it says in benlty or try it with the spring in the car. Which method is safer as I am aware that a loose spring can hurt


thanks again.

bob

[Nick325is]

If you try to do it with the spring in the car then be sure to use a good spring compressor so that you don't end up with springs flying everywhere.



Nick

[65Matt]

So - did anyone have success with this method?

[the bob]

I just removed the whole hub like bently says.

I was not that hard and probably easier to compress the spring.

just be careful not to ruin the ball joints and tie rod ends like I did

that sucked


bob

[KenC]

how did you ruin them? you didnt use a picklefork did you? I use some older nuts and thread them on a little ways and then give them a good whack with a hammer - I've taken them out 4 times in the past 6 months and it's worked everytime.