Strut / shock / spring replacement, I give up...damn you!

[rant]

I tried replacing my springs and shocks today...and failed.


First

I took out the front strut, after I realized the sway bar end link was not OEM and I needed a wrench and a torx to remove it.

Then

The damn strut wouldn't come out of the brake/rotor assembly.

Then

The damn spring compressors weren't able to get all the coils.

Then

I couldn't get the top strut nut off trying to use a spark plug socket, wrench and a 6mm allen wrench.

Then

I broke the 6mm wrench I was using for leverage to hold the 6mm allen wrench.

Then

I went to Sears looking for a allen socket with a super long allen part

Then

The retard sales clerk convinced my a allen wrench with a big handle grip would work.

Then

It didnt work.

Then

I realized the BMW strut design is

Then

I put the original stuff back.

Now

I am complaining about it.

Tomorrow

I will pay a mechanic to do it for me.

And...

FML.

[/rant]

The shade tree mechanic must eventually know his/her limits.

^I've done it in other cars without incident...It's not like I was out there with sticks and rocks...

Spring compressors are from Hell!!! Spent 3 hours wrestling with those pieces of garbage because I thought I was slick. I finished the driver side but gave up on the passenger side and let Pepboys take care of swapping the spring for me. I feel your pain.

meh, $450 to have the work done for me...could have been worse.

I just give myself a bunch of space and use an impact gun on the upper strut nut. Lay it on the ground with an unmounted tire at the bottom and let it rip. Lowering springs go on like butter compared to oe.

Its not so bad after you do it a few times. First time sucks because you're figuring it all out and just get the job done. But 2-3 times you will be able to get it done fast.

I'e done it a few times. Did you mke sure to pull your xenon sensor out? It can prevent movement of the control arm. You didn't have the jackstand under the control arm, did you? It is a PITA

Tips:

1) Spray WD-40 on the clamp that the strut housing slides into on the control arm at least an hour before trying to pull the struts.

2) BMW springs are very difficult to compress with home compressors; replace rear shocks, but just remove the front struts. Take it to a shop to swap the springs on machine compressors, it doesn't cost much. Then, DIY reinstall.

Originally Posted by DangerousMind

I just give myself a bunch of space and use an impact gun on the upper strut nut. Lay it on the ground with an unmounted tire at the bottom and let it rip. Lowering springs go on like butter compared to oe.

I was going to suggest this, I have done it but usually wrap it in a blanket first then stuff doesn't go flying everywhere.

You just have to man up and twist that strut out of the front knuckle. Pull the wheels and the next thing you do is spray penetrating lube down the shaft (that's what she said) of the strut into the knuckle.

Wall mounted spring compressor FTW! It saves time over focking with the crap tool you get from auto zone.

I would have sawed that swaylink in half if I coudn't get it off.

Originally Posted by h4nh

Its not so bad after you do it a few times. First time sucks because you're figuring it all out and just get the job done. But 2-3 times you will be able to get it done fast.

I just tried your theory with my clutch replacement...and I hate your theory. Although it turned out to be true.