Strut Installation

[viali8]

OK. i bought a pair if HD bilsteins for my 87 325. i decided to try and put them in today. i got the tie rod out, the stabilizer nut off, but not the control arm. i do have the nut off but i did not pop it out yet. But my question is this, what is the hose that runs directly into the back of the strut housing ( it is right next to hole where the top screw for the break caliper goes. it needs a 5mm allen wrench.) i used the 5mm allen wrench to unscrew it. but after i pulled the screw out that thing was still in there good. how do i get it out? also what is the best way to get the control arm out of the strut housing. any info would help. thanks in advance.

[Bimmin'88]

Control arm out- put the nut back on to protect the threads, smack it with a hammer should drop loose.

you have ABS sensor and somthing else that is clipped to the strut housing, wiggle and pull these off, can be a bear so don't get frustrated.

hose would be your brake line, no need to remove. remove the two bolts that attach the brake calipers to the strut housing.

have a shop remove your struts / springs unless you have the proper tools.

hope this helps

[Speedy-325is]

i have never had to romove that much stuff to get struts out......

i juss unbolted it...manuvered it out and bolted the new ones back on.
to get the coil off, u need a set of spring compressors.
DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THE COILS UNLESS THEY ARE COMPRESSED PROPERLY!!!!
U WILL GET HURT!!!!

Mark

[viali8]

thanks for the tips guys. maybe i removed too much stuff. i will tackle it again tomorrow. boy this is tuff. but it is the only way i will learn i guess. i will hit you guys up if i need anymore help. take it easy.


Mark, us make it sound so easy. how did you replace yours (mind you that i am replacing the front struts not the rear). i had to take the rotor off, break caliper off, stabilizer nut off, control arm nut off, tie rod nut off in order take the strut housing off which i have not gotten to yet. how did you do it? also did you compress the springs while they were still on the car? thanks again. Matt

[Speedy-325is]

u just work it out....be patient, watch the hoses and wires...but be firm.

ill type up a better diy tomorrow,,,,,if i make it back from Vegas.

nice knowing ya....

Mark

[guywithblack88e30]

Originally posted by Speedy-325is@Nov 19 2004, 04:43 PM
i have never had to romove that much stuff to get struts out......

i juss unbolted it...manuvered it out and bolted the new ones back on.
to get the coil off, u need a set of spring compressors.
DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THE COILS UNLESS THEY ARE COMPRESSED PROPERLY!!!!
U WILL GET HURT!!!!

Mark

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yeah lol my uncle got popped in the for head he was helping my brother put springs lowering springs on his honda and he was kicking in the stock ones to take them out and it came and popped him in the head he passed out for like 5mins.

[detour54]

Enjoy.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticl...ront_Suspen.htm

[viali8]

thanks for the article detour 54. it was helpful and gave some good pointers. thanks again.

[detour54]

Originally posted by viali8@Nov 22 2004, 07:49 PM
thanks for the article detour 54. it was helpful and gave some good pointers. thanks again.

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No problem.

Glad I could help.