I got stuck.. shock removal

sn0pea · 01-01-2012, 07:24 PM

Could you guys give me some tips here. I'm trying to remove the front nut on my strut assembly but I can't get it to move anywhere. When I use my breaker bar the whole assembly just twists.
I had the idea to remove the whole assembly, then put it in a vice to remove but I can't even get the assembly out nor do I have a vice :P
Any ideas for me? How to remove the top nut and/or how to remove the whole assembly?
Thanks guys.

subieworx · 01-02-2012, 06:48 PM

Impact is your friend.

sn0pea · 01-02-2012, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subieworx

Impact is your friend.

Me no have impact but I've been looking for a set. Any recommendations?
And I ended up getting the top nut off but now the strut is still stuck. I got one out by hammering the crap out of it. Is there a better way? Or a good way to put them back in?

fdriller9 · 01-02-2012, 08:05 PM

How would an impact gun work on the shock cylinder? It will just rotate...

You have to grab the cylinder with something. I can normally just get it off by using my hand to clamp it and unbolt the nut.

You should have the spring compressed when your doing this.

ichi_ban · 01-02-2012, 10:47 PM

There should be a allen key you put in then loosen the nut.

mike-y · 01-03-2012, 12:24 PM

an impact does work for the top nut. but you can use regular tools if you remove the whole assembly out of the car first. if you have a hard time spreading the pinch collar at the bottom of the strut, grab a 1/4" to 3/4" socket adapter and slip it in the gap, then turn it a quarter turn with your ratchet. you can pull the strut out pretty easily after that, though expect to ruin the adapter after a few uses.

01-01-2012, 07:24 PM	#1
sn0pea Captain 48 Rep 842 Posts Drives: Black 325i 2006 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OK iTrader: (1)	I got stuck.. shock removal Could you guys give me some tips here. I'm trying to remove the front nut on my strut assembly but I can't get it to move anywhere. When I use my breaker bar the whole assembly just twists. I had the idea to remove the whole assembly, then put it in a vice to remove but I can't even get the assembly out nor do I have a vice :P Any ideas for me? How to remove the top nut and/or how to remove the whole assembly? Thanks guys. __________________ 2006 325i: Matte Black Grills, AG m310 19's (19X8.5et35 & 19X9.5et33 - 235/35/19 & 265/30/19), Amber Covers, Magnaflow with black tips, Blacked Emblems, M3 Replica Bumper and Vorsteiner hood!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-02-2012, 06:48 PM	#2
subieworx Lieutenant 30 Rep 468 Posts Drives: 07 335 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ohio iTrader: (1)	Impact is your friend.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2012, 08:05 PM	#4
fdriller9 Banned 253 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	How would an impact gun work on the shock cylinder? It will just rotate... You have to grab the cylinder with something. I can normally just get it off by using my hand to clamp it and unbolt the nut. You should have the spring compressed when your doing this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2012, 10:47 PM	#5
ichi_ban Major 36 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: X6 50i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: FL iTrader: (24)	There should be a allen key you put in then loosen the nut. __________________ @ichi_ban
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-03-2012, 12:24 PM	#6
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	an impact does work for the top nut. but you can use regular tools if you remove the whole assembly out of the car first. if you have a hard time spreading the pinch collar at the bottom of the strut, grab a 1/4" to 3/4" socket adapter and slip it in the gap, then turn it a quarter turn with your ratchet. you can pull the strut out pretty easily after that, though expect to ruin the adapter after a few uses.
	Appreciate 0 Quote