Is there an easier way..

[godinman]

Hi,

I'm changing the front springs and shocks on my 320i and am having trouble removing the shocks from the legs (I've got them off the car).

All the book says it hold the top of the shock while undoing the 19mm bolt, but this is impossible!! Or more likely possible but I'm just being slow...anyone know a way?

I took the first one over to my friends and he got it off with his impact gun, but I'd like to be able to take it of myself.

Saying that we did end up angle grinding that piece that screws onto the top of the leg so I'll prob be going down anyway...

Thanks for any help, hopefully one day I'll be the person giving advice instead of asking questions all the time!!!

[daimlerman]

Usual way is to slacken this nut off first,before lifting the car to remove the strut.

Collar nut needs a cold chisel or a large blunt screwdriver and a big hitting stick!

[charlE30]

I always slacken those nuts off before raising the car. The front end weight normally holds it secure enough to crack the nut off.

As you've got them off the car have you tried using a pair of mole grips on the very top of the shock's piston? what does the top of the shock look like.. the bit with the nut on? I know some have a allen key socket in the very end to help stop the shaft turning...

To get the shock locking collar off give it a good soaking with something like WD40 and then try either a proper sized pipe wrench or using a hammer with a metal bar type thing to tap it round. They are buggers but do come off.

Have fun

[godinman]

Hey thanks for the replys, I'll take a picture of the offending part, but we (he) got it off using the impact gun, putting it back on I'll probably use the gun again and gently grip the shock itself as I can't see how to hold the top of the shock and turn the nut (it's all recessed in the top mount).

Those shock collars are ridiculous! He ended up angle grinding a section out to expose the thread and then smacking it alot with a large hammer and some punches and chisels.

Don't know how I'd have got on without his help as they were properly seized!

Hmm, at least I'll know to loosen the nut first next time

Thankyou! Am going to get some new bump stops, top mounts and clean up/spray the legs.

[charlE30]

For the top nut I found a deep socket that fitted and ground two sides at the top flat so I can then grip it with a large adjustable spanner and insert a long allen key down the centre.

Again you can torque it up when it's all back together again with the front of the car back on the ground.

Will look good with fresh paint

[weed1]

For breaking the torque on the shock collars:
1, Liberal application of a rust penetrant as opposed to WD40.
2, Using the ball end of a ball pein hammer, go around the circumference of the collar that is screwed over the threaded portion with some good sharp whacks.
The the collar will be easier to undo.


m

[godinman]

Too late!!! Will remember it for next time tho, thanks.