[243Racing]

I’ve seen 2 different DIYs for this and I came up with a question. I don’t have an impact driver. Is it possible (and advisable) to loosen the 18mm top strut nut on the front struts with just a wrench/breaker bar? One tutorial for the M4 a guy has a special “open” socket where he held the regular nut with a wrench while he loosened the strut nut.

TIA

[MR RIZK]

The top nut may not undo unless you have the open socket as the piston may spin in unison. The impact driver spins the nut fast that's why it works but in saying that impact on top nuts are not recommended.

[Drop the hammer]

Can put a 1/4 drive small socket with 4 inch extension onto the shaft (10mm if I recall correctly) then slip a larger 1/2 drive deep socket over top of it onto the nut. Then use 1/4 extension with 1/4 ratchet and use a pipe wrench or vice grip to turn larger deep socket over top. Much safer for the strut than using an impact as well.

[243Racing]

Thanks all. I went ahead and ordered the Schwaben strut socket , seems like the safest way to go.

[nearwater4me]

Originally Posted by BeastieBombRacing

Thanks all. I went ahead and ordered the Schwaben strut socket , seems like the safest way to go.

Where did you order the socket kit from?
I’ll be needing them in the near future, just wanted to get some info.

Thanks!

[243Racing]

Originally Posted by nearwater4me

Where did you order the socket kit from?
I’ll be needing them in the near future, just wanted to get some info.

Thanks!

I just ordered the individual socket. ECS had the best price incl tax and shipping. Pelican Parts also carries them.

[nearwater4me]

Originally Posted by BeastieBombRacing

I just ordered the individual socket. ECS had the best price incl tax and shipping. Pelican Parts also carries them.

Thanks for the info!

[Conissah]

Would a box wrench and an allen key not work? Haven't checked the top of the strut, but I can't imagine it's super different from every car I have ever worked on.

[243Racing]

Originally Posted by Conissah

Would a box wrench and an allen key not work? Haven't checked the top of the strut, but I can't imagine it's super different from every car I have ever worked on.

I was hoping this would work, however my struts don't have allen head bolts. I'm glad I checked before I started tearing the car apart to do the install.

[Mosely]

I made this DIY: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1595398

The recommended way is what I detailed in there, worked perfectly too not difficult and no issues on or off, you just need the 18mm pass through (make sure it's 12 pt, not hex). I bought a kit (crescent x6) or something that worked fine. Make sure you have a thin 1/4" 10mm that is at least 1-2" long to go through the middle (I had a few 10mm and only 1 worked).

I ordered the Shwaben tool at first but I'm pretty sure it only works for allen key cars or maybe if you have a tiny head 1/4" to get in there. I couldn't get it to work.

[243Racing]

Originally Posted by Mosely

I made this DIY: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1595398

The recommended way is what I detailed in there, worked perfectly too not difficult and no issues on or off, you just need the 18mm pass through (make sure it's 12 pt, not hex). I bought a kit (crescent x6) or something that worked fine. Make sure you have a thin 1/4" 10mm that is at least 1-2" long to go through the middle (I had a few 10mm and only 1 worked).

I ordered the Shwaben tool at first but I'm pretty sure it only works for allen key cars or maybe if you have a tiny head 1/4" to get in there. I couldn't get it to work.

Great DIY - thanks for the link.

This is the one I found, where I learned of the Schwaben tool:

[Mosely]

Originally Posted by BeastieBombRacing

Great DIY - thanks for the link.

This is the one I found, where I learned of the Schwaben tool:

Looks much more difficult with that tool and the wrench and easier to strip the top mount. The pass through socket is much more secure and I don't know how you will reliably tighten the top mount nut to proper torque with the Schwaben set-up.

[243Racing]

Originally Posted by Mosely

Looks much more difficult with that tool and the wrench and easier to strip the top mount. The pass through socket is much more secure and I don't know how you will reliably tighten the top mount nut to proper torque with the Schwaben set-up.

Yeah, and now I’m rethinking it some more with the additional info you provided about properly re-indexing and replacing certain bolts.

[M Fifty]

I would note that BMW don't suggest re-indexing in the official installation instructions for installing the M Performance Suspension. Make of that what you will.

[mr_lab_rat]

You need an 18mm 12 point deep socket. I filed mine down on two sides so I can grab it with vise grips. 10mm on a 1/4inch to prevent the shock shaft from spinning.

[nearwater4me]

Originally Posted by M Fifty

I would note that BMW don't suggest re-indexing in the official installation instructions for installing the M Performance Suspension. Make of that what you will.

Interesting. Always wondered how <1” drop could affect the wear in bushings.