e36 front struts

[harry_p]

yesterday i attempted to remove my front struts, but after unclipping the wires and hoses, removing the 3 nuts from the top mount, the lengthways pinch bolt and the 2 bottom bolts that bolt through the strut to the hub carrier, the strut itself still seemed to be stuck fast.

it looks like there might be another bolt in the middle at the bottom, but access was tight, light fading, and the car had to be bolted together to get me to ork the next day.

is this lower middle fixing a proper attachment, or just a locating dowel?

the strut seemed to be stuck fast, i expected it to pretty much drop out when the bolts were removed. was tempted to git it a smack / some leverage, but didnt want to risk breaking anything.

i found an online bntley manual, but it only mentions the 3 main strut to hub carrier bolts

[Andyboy]

There are two 18mm bolts and an 18mm through nut and bolt. There is a very tight fitting dowel. The trick is to jack up the car so that both front wheels are off the ground. This takes the anti roll bar tension off the wishbone. A hammer and big screwdriver will get the strut off.

[harry_p]

had another go oday and was pretty straightforward really. couple of taps with a small hammer on a fat screwdriver and they popped off no probs