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01-07-2021, 02:20 AM | #1 |
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128i Front Strut Disassembly Question
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?
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01-07-2021, 07:05 AM | #2 |
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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.
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tracer bullet2417.50 |
01-07-2021, 07:16 AM | #3 |
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Better have a spring compressor so you don't kill yourself.
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01-07-2021, 08:54 AM | #4 |
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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.
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01-07-2021, 10:55 AM | #5 |
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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.
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01-07-2021, 12:04 PM | #6 | |
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01-07-2021, 12:09 PM | #7 |
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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/
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01-07-2021, 12:22 PM | #8 |
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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!
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01-07-2021, 05:56 PM | #9 |
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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.
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01-08-2021, 01:58 AM | #11 |
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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!
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01-08-2021, 01:58 PM | #12 | |
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01-09-2021, 11:30 AM | #13 |
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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).
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01-09-2021, 01:45 PM | #14 |
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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.
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01-12-2021, 02:27 PM | #15 |
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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
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01-12-2021, 02:31 PM | #16 |
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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.
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01-12-2021, 03:38 PM | #17 | |
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01-13-2021, 11:01 AM | #18 | |
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Can you return the sockets easily?
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01-13-2021, 08:10 PM | #19 | |
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01-13-2021, 09:38 PM | #20 | ||
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01-13-2021, 10:13 PM | #21 |
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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
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