Removing Front Strut

[kod81]

Morning Fellow Members,

I am looking to replace my shocks/springs with the B12 kit.

Regarding the front ones, the photos I've found online appear to be just generic and not model specific, therefore some just show just shock inserts and some the whole absorber. I've found the reseller and they've confirmed the kit includes the whole shock.

I had a quick look on my car (it's a 318i, E30) and I am not exactly sure how the shock comes out of the strut (forgive me if I name the parts incorrectly here). Let me explain...

If we look at realoeam here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=31&fg=10

#1 is the part in question.

On Realoem it seems the strut and the "knuckle" at the bottom of it are one, integral part to which you just sort of bolt on the wheel hub assembly. Please feel free to correct me on part naming. Is my understanding correct?

On my E46 there's a screw on the knuckle that you un-tight in order to get the strut/shock off. It's pretty much the same on my E90. However on E30 there's no screw, so how do I separate the strut from the knuckle?

I think B12 kit includes part #1 (from the diagram) but without that bottom "knuckle" piece, so how do I transfer it over? Are these elements separable? Shall I just hammer it out?:)

Please advise. Thank you,

Regards,
M

[Brianmoooore]

Looking at the realoem diagram, part #1 is all one piece. The parts you will get in the kit are #2 and #6 (or their Bilstein equivalent ), and you unscrew the old #6 to change it over.
If your car is a saloon, you will probably have struts that are too small in diameter to take the new dampers, and will need to replace them with the 51mm struts from any E30 other than a small engined saloon.

[kod81]

Thanks Brian for your prompt reply. That's much appreciated.

The B12 kit comes in two options. With front shocks in 45 mm outside diameter to fit my 318i (and 316 and 320) and 51mm for larger engines. Therefore I won't need to replace the struts with the 51s. as I will just order the smaller diameter version of the kit.

When I phoned the reseller (CA Automotive), they told me that it won't be part #2 and #6 but #1. In other words, it's not just the shocks' insert, but the whole shock itself

Perhaps they have mislead me.

However, if they haven't then main question is how do I separate the strut from that bottom piece which I refer to as a "knuckle"? I agree that it seems to be just one big piece as per RealOEM but I am just not sure.

[capnmchl]

You don't. The people you plan on buying your struts off are either about to send you the wrong item or haven't bothered to look in the box.

You disconnect the bottom ball joint, track rod end and brake caliper from the knuckle, undo the top mount, and take the whole lot. You then compress the spring, remove top mount, and undo number 6 on the diagram.

The shock absorbers are called inserts. They are inserted into number one, and are simply a simple round cylindrical shock absorber, rather than having any fitting attachments on them, like you would get with an E36 or 46.

[kod81]

That makes sense.

Shame, cos I was hoping to get nice and shiny struts with brand new fitting attachments.
Oh well, I may just clean and paint my old rusty looking ones.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I may call them back and ask for a photo of the exact item I am about to order.

Thanks!

[Brianmoooore]

Before you order, I'd consider getting hold of a pair of the larger struts (possibly with the vented discs brakes and calipers still attached). They are much stronger.