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M2 Technical Topics > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > DIY question: How to remove Rear strut top hat

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      11-26-2020, 06:38 PM   #1
ginohhh
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I'm trying to install a set of m performance coilovers I just purchased and I can't seem to find the right socket skinny enough to fit the rear to take the 12 point nut off. Is there a specific tool I need to buy from BMW or any other place? Help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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      11-26-2020, 08:17 PM   #2
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The ghetto way I did it was a quick blast with an impact. I wrapped a rope around the shock shaft a few dozen times and a buddy held it. Definitely spun the shaft a little but I wasn't concerned.
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      11-26-2020, 08:20 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWC-F87 View Post
The ghetto way I did it was a quick blast with an impact. I wrapped a rope around the shock shaft a few dozen times and a buddy held it. Definitely spun the shaft a little but I wasn't concerned.
I was thinking that too but I can't even get to the 12 point nut lol. What socket did you use ? What brand ?
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      11-26-2020, 08:29 PM   #4
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWC-F87 View Post
The ghetto way I did it was a quick blast with an impact. I wrapped a rope around the shock shaft a few dozen times and a buddy held it. Definitely spun the shaft a little but I wasn't concerned.
I was thinking that too but I can't even get to the 12 point nut lol. What socket did you use ? What brand ?
Honestly don't remember. I just know it was a 12pt. I think I tried a few I had laying around until one fit in. Worst case, go buy a single 12pt the correct size and grind down the outside diameter
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      11-26-2020, 08:32 PM   #5
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by ginohhh View Post
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Originally Posted by AWC-F87 View Post
The ghetto way I did it was a quick blast with an impact. I wrapped a rope around the shock shaft a few dozen times and a buddy held it. Definitely spun the shaft a little but I wasn't concerned.
I was thinking that too but I can't even get to the 12 point nut lol. What socket did you use ? What brand ?
Honestly don't remember. I just know it was a 12pt. I think I tried a few I had laying around until one fit in. Worst case, go buy a single 12pt the correct size and grind down the outside diameter
I'll give that a try ! Thanks
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      11-26-2020, 11:17 PM   #6
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On the front it was 12 point 18mm, this looks the same. So I held the 18 with vise grips and had a 1/4inch extension with 10mm going through it holding the shaft. Makes sense?
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      11-26-2020, 11:53 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_lab_rat View Post
On the front it was 12 point 18mm, this looks the same. So I held the 18 with vise grips and had a 1/4inch extension with 10mm going through it holding the shaft. Makes sense?
this. use a 1/4" 10mm and extension, with the 10mm socket inside the 18mm and the extension going thru the top
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      11-27-2020, 01:15 AM   #8
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Use a 18mm pass through socket to be able to hold the outside spline while using a normal socket inside
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      11-27-2020, 05:35 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_lab_rat View Post
On the front it was 12 point 18mm, this looks the same. So I held the 18 with vise grips and had a 1/4inch extension with 10mm going through it holding the shaft. Makes sense?
I'll give that a try!
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      11-27-2020, 05:36 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Devo View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_lab_rat View Post
On the front it was 12 point 18mm, this looks the same. So I held the 18 with vise grips and had a 1/4inch extension with 10mm going through it holding the shaft. Makes sense?
this. use a 1/4" 10mm and extension, with the 10mm socket inside the 18mm and the extension going thru the top
Got it
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      11-28-2020, 05:03 PM   #11
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Top Hat Sockets

Turner sells a 5 piece set of sockets just for this. Will be ordering one when I do my suspension.
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      11-28-2020, 08:55 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ginohhh View Post
I'm trying to install a set of m performance coilovers I just purchased and I can't seem to find the right socket skinny enough to fit the rear to take the 12 point nut off. Is there a specific tool I need to buy from BMW or any other place? Help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I installed my Mperf suspension and this worked perfect: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07RD...b_b_asin_image

They are thin enough to go through and it also has the 22mm pass through that you'll need to torque the new nut that will come with the new coilovers.
I bought a flare nut crowfoot to attach to this so i could also use with the torque wrench.

edit.
just realized it's sold out on amazon. maybe find something similar.
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      11-28-2020, 09:24 PM   #13
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If you already have the car apart and need a McGyver solution because you can’t get the right tool, buy a cheap set of plumbers tap wrenches / tube spanners.

Find the one that almost fits and tap it down over the nut. They are very soft and will deform to fit the nut. Plus they aren’t on that tight anyway.

Photo shows one I used for this purpose.

2.jpg[/img]

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      11-30-2020, 01:26 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chief1richard View Post
Turner sells a 5 piece set of sockets just for this. Will be ordering one when I do my suspension.
The turner 5 piece (should be the same as ECS and Schwaben brand) doesn't fit the rear shock top hat btw. It's annoying...
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      11-30-2020, 07:02 AM   #15
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I used the same feedthrough socket as I did for the front.
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