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11-15-2015, 09:17 PM | #1 |
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This F*cking Front Strut !!!!
I have spent last 2 day to uninstall front struts to install my new pretty coilovers however this stupid strut would not come off from the spindle !!!
Researched and looked everywhere but I tried chisel, 3/8">1/4" step down, pry bar... just about everything but Schwaben spreader just because no one around me carries it perhaps I shouldn't have started to begin with... Especially with chisel, spindle got loosen enough to let go of the strut for this son of gun is not coming off... I was wondering if there is "trick" or special method that I am not aware of? Can someone help me?!???
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11-15-2015, 09:38 PM | #2 | |
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Quote:
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11-15-2015, 09:45 PM | #3 |
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That's the Schwaben spreader I posted above... which I am convinced that I should just order that and do it right to begin with...
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11-16-2015, 08:32 AM | #5 |
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I didn't have this problem but mine might not have been as seized as yours. I didn't use that type of tool either. I think I just used pry bar to open up the collar a bit and it came out.
I remember the fronts being super easy for me, both came out in less than an hour. I had access to a hoist so that made it easier.
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11-16-2015, 09:01 AM | #6 |
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I actually ordered a Schwaben tool through Sears.. but I don't think it will make much difference than a chisel... Since I didn't apply penetrating spray yet, that is my next step..
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11-16-2015, 09:48 AM | #7 |
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Can you take a picture of what yours looks like? Curious to see how it looks.
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11-16-2015, 02:05 PM | #8 |
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I did not have any issues changing removing struts on my 08. Can you get them so they can twist just a bit? I loosened the collar bolts and spread the sleeve opening a bit. Try spraying some penetrant in there -- maybe your strut bodies have corroded to the sleeve. Never seen the schwaben spreader until this thread. Sometimes a special tool can be useful, but have not read of issues with this job. BMW has had strut sleeves like this since at least the E39 that came out in 97 (I changed the struts on my 99 E39 about 10 years ago).
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11-19-2015, 11:37 AM | #11 |
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So I got the tool and used it but wasn't really much of better help than chisel.
The secret sauce was Liquid Wrench. I soaked it for a few mins but it came out with minimum of effort... Feels so disappointed because i didn't try this to begin with. Anyways finished both fronts in less than 30mins and doing rears today.
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11-21-2015, 03:44 PM | #12 |
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Keep the strut mount bolted, lots of PB blaster and then beat on the spindle with a rubber mallet.
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12-12-2015, 12:53 AM | #13 |
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I soaked mine in wd40 for ten minutes, then beat the shit out of the bottom of the strut with a rubber mallet.
Took me a good 10 minutes per strut though |
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