128i Front Strut Disassembly Question

[croy]

Hey all planning to take on replacing the front shocks on my 128 soon. I'm a bit new to this so i've been looking a various guides however i'm a bit confused on how to take apart the top bolt once I have the strut assembly out. In the one video linked (6:51 in) they mention using a "Drive Socket #21" but i've never seen this before. I've seen other people use an impact to take it off but I currently don't have access to one. Is this supposed to be a 21mm pass through socket or am I missing something?

[b1aze]

If you don’t have an impact, you might have to grab the shaft with a set of vise grips to prevent it from spinning while loosening the top nut. It will probably help if you have a spring compressor to relieve the tension in the assembly also.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by b1aze

If you don’t have an impact, you might have to grab the shaft with a set of vise grips to prevent it from spinning while loosening the top nut. It will probably help if you have a spring compressor to relieve the tension in the assembly also.

Better have a spring compressor so you don't kill yourself.

[Thunderguts]

Huh, that's definitely the long way to do it. You don't need to take the whole steering knuckle out. Most people just tilt it and pull the strut out from under the wheel well. It's tight, but it will fit if you rotate the strut a little.

If you don't have an impact, you'll need a "strut nut tool" to keep the shaft from spinning while you loosen it. You'll also need a spring compressor. Don't dare try to loosen that nut until you remove tension.

[gjm120]

I've done two suspension R&R's. First one was from non-sport to sport and I removed the whole steering knuckle. Non-sport springs are longer and it was so tight I decided just to pull the whole assembly out.

Second time went from sport to BWMP springs and didn't see a benefit or need in removing the hub.

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by hnl.cory

Hey all planning to take on replacing the front shocks on my 128 soon. I'm a bit new to this so i've been looking a various guides however i'm a bit confused on how to take apart the top bolt once I have the strut assembly out. In the one video linked (6:51 in) they mention using a "Drive Socket #21" but i've never seen this before. I've seen other people use an impact to take it off but I currently don't have access to one. Is this supposed to be a 21mm pass through socket or am I missing something?

Yes a pass through socket so you can hold the strut with the allen wrench would be the "correct" way to do it.

[WDE82]

You need a strut socket. Get the 21 and 22 mm as often the new struts will come with a 22mm nut and I think the original is 21 mm. It is worth the cost!

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...3046sch01a-03/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...3046sch01a-04/



You also need an extended 7mm allen key to reach and hold the strut shaft during torquing.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben.../018083sch07a/

[Lester]

Make sure your medical and dental insurance is paid up, and does not exclude car repair self-injury.

Or, just take it to a shop where they have the tools, equipment and knowledge.

Either way, let us know how it works out!

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by Lester

Make sure your medical and dental insurance is paid up, and does not exclude car repair self-injury.

Or, just take it to a shop where they have the tools, equipment and knowledge.

Either way, let us know how it works out!

I know you're kind of joking but I really hate this hyperbole about how dangerous struts are. Spring compressors can be dangerous but they can be used safely. A somewhat experienced DIYer can do this easily.

[Lester]

Cool, take some pictures of the project!

[croy]

Thanks to everyone for the help. Im ordering 21 and 22 mm strut sockets from FCP Euro in the morning since it's much cheaper to ship to Hawaii with them. This is my 3rd real project after replacing the fuel vapor pump, and the original starter a little while back so i'm a bit nervous but also excited. I'll post a follow up of how things go when everything comes in!

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by hnl.cory

Thanks to everyone for the help. Im ordering 21 and 22 mm strut sockets from FCP Euro in the morning since it's much cheaper to ship to Hawaii with them. This is my 3rd real project after replacing the fuel vapor pump, and the original starter a little while back so i'm a bit nervous but also excited. I'll post a follow up of how things go when everything comes in!

Don't forget a 7mm Allen key. 7mm is not a part of Allen key sets usually.

[WeryPert1]

Originally Posted by Lester

Or, just take it to a shop where they have the tools, equipment and knowledge.

The in-between option I’ve done a couple times is to remove the shock/spring assemblies myself, then take those to a a shock replacement shop and have them swap the springs onto the new struts, then re-install them into the car myself. The minimal charge is worth it to me vs messing with spring compressors (which I’ve also done).

[Tommm]

i didnt watch the video, but i did do the job. Put a few layers of tape around the wheel well. you dont want to chip the paint. if there is a harbor freight in Hawaii get their electric impact gun. You will end up using it when you tighten the nut.

[croy]

Just got the bulk of the parts in last night from FCP Euro (Struts, dust covers, top mounts). A bit beat up but possibly a customs check? Not an issue but I was surprised to find that the replacement Bilstein strut seems to take a 6mm Allen key rather than a 7mm, and a 19mm top nut instead of a 21 or 22. Not what I was expecting but time to order another strut socket before any work begins

[croy]

Originally Posted by Tommm

i didnt watch the video, but i did do the job. Put a few layers of tape around the wheel well. you dont want to chip the paint. if there is a harbor freight in Hawaii get their electric impact gun. You will end up using it when you tighten the nut.

Thanks for the tip about taping off the fenders, definitely a must. Normally i'd look into buying an impact since I'm sure it wont be the last time I use one but I'm currently on a pretty tight budget after paying for tuition this semester so that will be an upgrade for the future.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by hnl.cory

Just got the bulk of the parts in last night from FCP Euro (Struts, dust covers, top mounts). A bit beat up but possibly a customs check? Not an issue but I was surprised to find that the replacement Bilstein strut seems to take a 6mm Allen key rather than a 7mm, and a 19mm top nut instead of a 21 or 22. Not what I was expecting but time to order another strut socket before any work begins

Nice! Make sure to order every other piece in there, like the upper and lower spring isolators, the upper spring perch, the washer, upper and lower dust seals for the upper mount, and the gasket.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by hnl.cory

Just got the bulk of the parts in last night from FCP Euro (Struts, dust covers, top mounts). A bit beat up but possibly a customs check? Not an issue but I was surprised to find that the replacement Bilstein strut seems to take a 6mm Allen key rather than a 7mm, and a 19mm top nut instead of a 21 or 22. Not what I was expecting but time to order another strut socket before any work begins

Wow 19mm...that's kinda lame. I've done struts on both my E46 (with Koni) and E82 (with Bilstein) and they both came with 22 mm nuts IIRC. I have 21mm and 22mm sockets. Of course I lost the 7mm.

Can you return the sockets easily?

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by WDE82

I know you're kind of joking but I really hate this hyperbole about how dangerous struts are. Spring compressors can be dangerous but they can be used safely. A somewhat experienced DIYer can do this easily.

It's not hyperbole. Ever seen a spring slip while under tension? It will literally tear your face off.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

It's not hyperbole. Ever seen a spring slip while under tension? It will literally tear your face off.

The point is that it can be done safely. And the compressors don't really have much tension on them relative to the strength of a bolt that size. Lube the threads up and keep them somewhat equal lengths as a pair and it'll be ok. Also don't put your face in front of the things.

[croy]

Originally Posted by WDE82

Wow 19mm...that's kinda lame. I've done struts on both my E46 (with Koni) and E82 (with Bilstein) and they both came with 22 mm nuts IIRC. I have 21mm and 22mm sockets. Of course I lost the 7mm.

Can you return the sockets easily?

Not an issue to return, already have the 19mm on the way. Not what I was expecting but maybe because it's not the sports suspension? Could easily be wrong though