Front strut and spring install.

[TopOfTheLine89]

I did some searching, this topic has not been covered probably cause everyone was able to figure it out or has a bentley manual.Is there an easy way of doing this, yesterday i tried to just dive in and remove old springs and struts because it worked out well on the rear(got them done in 45 minutes). I spent 1 hr yesterday and 3 hrs today and still no luck. I looked in the haynes manual and they pretty much say to take everything off and out. Is there a shortcut? Any tips. I am completely embarrased that i am even making this thread because i am a part time mechanic and have done suspension on the last 2 cars ive owned.

[KenC]

What are you stuck on?

There are a lot of write-ups online (not on this site).

[TopOfTheLine89]

i take out the three bolts up top, the sytem falls down, after that i can't find a way to remove the strut and spring. Unless the only way is to take off every arm and support going to the shock housing.

[golde30]

wow. take it to a shop please. otherwise you mite hurt yourself. seriously.

[KenC]

Ha, yeah man. You need to take the entire strut housing out of the car. You need to remove the tie rods, control arms, and calipers.

Sounds like it's shop time...

[TopOfTheLine89]

Ok, yeah, i was affraid of that, i just found a great writeup on pelican parts about it, explained everything that was IFFY in my mind.

Heres the link so whoever else searches for it on this forum will be able to make use of this thread.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...ont_Suspen.htm

[xLibelle]

jack up front of car entirely. release the sway bar from body, this will release presure if you are trying to manipulate an individual side. gotta remove brake of course, hang that on the loop. release three bolts at top and drop strut. If you have stock springs, you will more than likely have to compress the springs a bit with a wrench on the compressors. lean strut tower out the side of the car and perform you stuff.

btw, if you are changing shocks too, you best take it to a shop... the rest of the deal after the spring removal, IF you get that far, is not fun.

cheers

[browntown]

jesus, if "compressing springs" is new to you, let some one else do it and show you. They can kill you. Suspension work is best done with air tools.

[xLibelle]

easiest way to remove the nut from the top of the strut is with an impact gun. place spring compressors on springs snug but NOT that it removes all the pressure from the strut. the compressors are in place so you dont kill yourself when the nut comes loose. (remember this situation is dangerous and take precautions to cover/block potential kenetic energies) Then spin that top nut off. If it continues to try and spin the strut shaft, a channel lock up high with light pressure may be enough to start it.

i dont know what his issue is with this but normally, hopefully, mechanicly inclined people know better than to unscrew a nut that has 150lbs of eye gouging action behind it.... *shrug* let the guy try and do his own work.

[mattdk318i]

Just watch your fingers, I had one of my dumbass friends upbolt my strut without a spring compressor. "i was just trying to help". the spring shot off and took off his thumb nail.
I agree with Golde30

[bmwpower]

Just watch your fingers, I had one of my dumbass friends upbolt my strut without a spring compressor. "i was just trying to help". the spring shot off and took off his thumb nail.
I agree with Golde30

lol... I thought EVERYONE knew not to do that. I guess I was wrong.

[mattdk318i]

yea, i give people way too much credit too..........lol

[TopOfTheLine89]

wow. take it to a shop please. otherwise you mite hurt yourself. seriously.

Seriously, NO!!! I work at a shop, not gonna take it in to have my boss spot me while i do it myself then pay him for it. I understand your concern but i have good spring compressors and its not the first time Ive done suspension. Our E30 front suspension is retarded though, most cars it a 2-3 bolt operation that takes 45 minutes per side. we have a stupid strut housing and alto of other BS.

[TopOfTheLine89]

Finnished the suspension tonight, found it was easier to take the whole system off instead of working on it while it was under the car. It took me about 4 hrs total. Went for a test drive ride quality is better and it feels great in the turns.

Also to anyone who finds this thread in a search, do the work yourself, just need spring compressors,pickle fork, vice grips and some miscelanious sockets. Having a workbench mounted vice is handy too. At no point duriing the operation was i endangered. I even took the 2nd strut bolt off with using the compressors just aimed it at the wall. Good luck.

[xLibelle]

THANK YOU. try the work yourlself! this isnt a challenging issue. take this one step at a time and it should all become clear. Glad you got it going!!