Front strut housings.

[HarryPotter]

Is it possible to change the springs on the front struts without having to remove the strut housings completely off the car? I've done it twice before and it's a real bitch to get those two balljoints off. (tie rod, control arm) Can I just remove the top three bolts in the engine bay and get it low enough to just move it outside of the fender? I've seen it done on an e21, not sure if you can get it low enough to do on an e30 though? Has anyone done this before?

[nrubenstein]

Stock springs: Categorically NO.

H&R Sports: Technically yes with two people, the fender removed, and spring compressors. I wouldn't do it again, though.

If you want to *try* to short cut it, you *might* be able to do it by removing the strut bearing, popping the gland nut off the strut, and pulling the strut out through the shock tower. Then you should be able to get the spring out. It really all depends on whether or not you can get the necessary tool onto the gland nut.

[jlevie]

I agree!

Stock springs, absolutely not. H&R sport is a difficult maybe, H&R Race is no problem.

If you have the right tools, specifically a heavy duty ball joint press, getting the control arm ball joint and tie rod end off is a trivial exercise that only takes about a minute or two per side.

[bzboardz]

I have always had good luck taking out the nuts on the ball joints and replacing it with another nut that I have laying around and hand tighten it on. One or two hits with a hammer and usually the ball joints come right out.