Tighten front bilstein struts

[Supertim]

Hi all,

I got bilstein struts for my e30 - the only problem is - I erroneously threw away the bilstein strut collar tool that would be used to tighten the strut collar inside the housing... Does anyone know where to buy another one, preferably a store rather than online? I currently reside in Maryland..

Or are there other options to tighten it? I really want to finish it this weekend so I can start driving the car :)

Thanks in advance

[ak-]

A big monkey/water pipe wrench

[Supertim]

ak - thanks for quick response, I used that to remove the old strut (that and an oxygen-based torch) - I'm afraid ill butcher the strut and won't be able to tighten to torque specs, but if that's my best bet then I suppose you're right :) any more takes on this?

[MR 325]

You have to have those nuts, there's no other way.

Either buy them used here on R3V or buy them new direct from Bilstein.

[Supertim]

OK guys I found the tool (was sitting in the garage, I'm an idiot) and I was able to finish the whole thing!

Picture or it didn't happen:


Now my new problem is the fact that I can't get the passenger side tie rod self locking nut off. It just spins while the built-in bolt is static.. this tells me that the threads are completely worn so I'm going to have to use a hacksaw to get that thing off :( I have no power so a reciprocating saw is out of question and so is everything else... wish me luck, unless you have any ideas?

EDIT: Also, how difficult is it to remove a the tie rod? Should I just swap out the outer end of it or should I swap the whole thing? Is it OK to swap only one of them? I was planning to get a lemforder tie rod but it may not be the same brand as the driver side, any experience with this?

[noE30]

put a jack under the tie rod bolt, you gotta have pressure on it or the nut will just spin the bolt inside the bushing, DO NOT CUT it off!

[Supertim]

noE30 - I think you missed my point. The bolt is not spinning (which is good), the self-locking nut is spinning (which is good), but it is not actually tightening or coming off the bolt... as if the threads on the bolt are gone and the nut just spins in place. I used an open-end wrench to make sure the bolt is not spinning and it isn't. That's why I'm planning to cut it off entirely, though I haven't fully settled on that decision.

[noE30]

Risky business, best of luck

[CHIF8008]

mine didnt even come with a tool. i was pissed. used a rag and a pipe wrench