removing large Bilstein shocks

[Eric]

Hi guys, I'm trying to remove the shocks for service on my E30 M3 H&R coil overs, but I ran into a bit of a problem. All the strut's i've serviced before have a collar that you can remove and the strut slides out, but this shock is a much different design, and I don't see any locking mechanism. Before I mess something up, I was wondering if anybody has removed a shock like this before?

Here are some pictures:

DSCN4137 by ericandshovin, on Flickr


DSCN4140 by ericandshovin, on Flickr


DSCN4139 by ericandshovin, on Flickr


DSCN4138 by ericandshovin, on Flickr

Any ideas? :huh:

[KenC]

Bilstein strut/housing all in one?

[Eric]

Bilstein strut/housing all in one?

I'm not sure, but I'm thinking that Bilstein maybe turned the strut into the shock instead of using an insert.

This is what the label on the passenger strut says

H&R
NR. '16 16 452 R-1/1
BMW E30 M3 VA-GFB
Made in Germany
DO NOT OPEN - GAS PRESSURE


EDIT: Cross referenced the part number and in a 2009 H&R catalogue it is listed under the monotube coil over section... now is that monotube an insert, or not.

[ak-]

E30 m3/5-lug specific coilovers probably. Just like BC coilovers I guess. You can't remove the insert(I think?).

[TurboJake]

They aren't.

H&R made the adjustable coilover as a whole unit for the front. They aren't bilsteins. The backs probably are stickered over bilsteins though.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES252503/

Part number RSS1726-1

[Eric]

They aren't.

H&R made the adjustable coilover as a whole unit for the front. They aren't bilsteins. The backs probably are stickered over bilsteins though.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES252503/

Part number RSS1726-1

Yes, the back is stickered bilseins. They are quite a bit thicker than normal E30 M3 HD/sports.

I assumed the front was also bilstein since the cutaway drawing looks like bilsteins construction w/ the internal bumpstops. Good to know though.

[TurboJake]

I could be wrong, but that's my understanding.

Check the two bolts on the bottom. Maybe they'll allow the shock to seperate from the spindle.

[Eric]

Nope, it is welded to the hub assembly. My understanding is that these are OE E30 M3 struts that H&R modifies.

[TurboJake]

Bonus! I'm not wrong!

Sucks to be in your position though. I suppose give them a call and find out if they can rebuild, or if you have to buy them new again.

[Eric]

I'm actually planning on selling them! I was going to have them rebuilt fresh for the new owner, but I was hopping to install my AST inserts while the H&R's were off being rebuilt.

Ideally I need to sell these, and the new owner will supply me with the stock E30 M3 struts that I can modify for the AST's.

[e46s54dr]

Im pretty sure you would have to send the whole front setup out to be rebuilt/revalved. Bilstein would have no problems redoing them for about 75 each.

[reelizmpro]

This was my understanding as well. It's a whole unit, otherwise they would just sell you a sleeve/adjuster/spring and insert so you can convert your existing housings like most other kits. Not sure what your options are for rebuilding these but I'd imagine you'd have to send the entire strut housings in. Contact H&R directly and see what they say.

[dsm2002]

Are these bolted through the base of the strut leg? If so I'd would have thought there'd be a nut holding the shock shaft at the base.

If you still have them, do you have measurements for the diameter of the strut leg and shimy chromed strut body

[JOMARO]

Are these bolted through the base of the strut leg? If so I'd would have thought there'd be a nut holding the shock shaft at the base.

If you still have them, do you have measurements for the diameter of the strut leg and shimy chromed strut body

I had the exact same unit just installed 2 weeks ago , its a whole unit unfortunately :-(, and yes it is bolted as a whole unit from the bottom

My friend has another set laying around I might pass by tomorrow and get u more photos

[dsm2002]

I had the exact same unit just installed 2 weeks ago , its a whole unit unfortunately :-(, and yes it is bolted as a whole unit from the bottom

My friend has another set laying around I might pass by tomorrow and get u more photos

OK I'd be interested in pics. Thanks. ... and measurements if you can get them.