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      05-26-2020, 04:49 PM   #1
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Front Strut DIY? (F25)

Trying to replace my front struts but have a hang up on the bolt that clamps on the bottom of the strut body, whatever you want to call it. Are these bolts splined or need pounded out? I can't for the life of me get mine loose and have practically run out of options besides trying to beat it through with a sledge or something. Any tips?
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      05-26-2020, 05:17 PM   #2
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2016 BMW X3  [0.00]
Look at this site with lots of good info, ensure you put your car specs in first, then go to the relevant pages

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...-X3_30dX&mg=31

or use this one
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...neral/F13OGy9X
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      05-26-2020, 05:52 PM   #3
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I did mine earlier this year. Hammer a screwdriver or chisel to expand the clamp around the strut. Make sure you have the coils compressed and they should wiggle out with some persuasion.
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      05-26-2020, 05:58 PM   #4
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That's kind of what I figured needs to happen. Did you leave the bolt or did yours come out? ...because that's my main issue, everything else I should be able to figure out but this frozen bolt issue is holding everything up.
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      05-26-2020, 06:52 PM   #5
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You need something like this: https://raceland.com/product/bmw-strut-spreader/

Did a lot of VW/Audi struts which are of similar design.
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      05-26-2020, 07:08 PM   #6
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So you were able to get the nut off, but the bolt won't budge? Probably need to soak it with something like PB Blaster overnight, a little heat may help too. The shop manual says to replace the nut and bolt, not sure how many people actually do that?
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      05-26-2020, 07:17 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N55_X3 View Post
You need something like this: https://raceland.com/product/bmw-strut-spreader/

Did a lot of VW/Audi struts which are of similar design.
How does this thing even work?
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      05-26-2020, 07:20 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by pungo View Post
So you were able to get the nut off, but the bolt won't budge? Probably need to soak it with something like PB Blaster overnight, a little heat may help too. The shop manual says to replace the nut and bolt, not sure how many people actually do that?
Yeah I managed to get the nut off but the bolt won't budge. Identical to how it was on my 335 but on that the bolt managed to move and come out, this one is basically seized. Tried 2ft worth of breaker bar only to break a socket and an impact that didn't do anything. So next attempt is beating the p!ss out of it I guess
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      05-26-2020, 07:48 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AS4EX View Post
How does this thing even work?
You put in the the slot and turn it 90 degrees to open the clamping. It works really well, though an appropriate size screwdriver or chisel works too.
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      05-26-2020, 08:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pungo View Post
You put in the the slot and turn it 90 degrees to open the clamping. It works really well, though an appropriate size screwdriver or chisel works too.
That's what I used once before and worked. Now I just need to figure out this bolt problem
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      05-26-2020, 11:22 PM   #11
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As mentioned, soak the bold with pb. Use a torch. Heat breaks frozen fasteners loose. Can you chisel or screwdriver the clamp space open? If so, you can leave the bolt.
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      05-27-2020, 11:42 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 383vett View Post
As mentioned, soak the bold with pb. Use a torch. Heat breaks frozen fasteners loose. Can you chisel or screwdriver the clamp space open? If so, you can leave the bolt.
Probably the route I'm going to try. Fingers crossed! Have to also attend to a wheel bearing as well while I'm at it, the hub assembly itself so hopefully that goes much smoother
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      05-27-2020, 05:06 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AS4EX View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 383vett View Post
As mentioned, soak the bold with pb. Use a torch. Heat breaks frozen fasteners loose. Can you chisel or screwdriver the clamp space open? If so, you can leave the bolt.
Probably the route I'm going to try. Fingers crossed! Have to also attend to a wheel bearing as well while I'm at it, the hub assembly itself so hopefully that goes much smoother
Was your wheel humming loudly and that's the reason you are replacing the hub and bearing?
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      05-27-2020, 10:51 PM   #14
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Yes, I may even have a bad rear wheel bearing as well, tbd. I threw in the towel today trying to fuss with that bolt and getting that strut out. Called up a local indy shop and they're going to handle it. I was ready to throw a hammer through the window; I like being able to work on my cars myself. Then I added a little something from MHD and it put a big smile back on my face. Not quite as fun as the 335, but it'll do!

I appreciate the help guys
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      05-29-2020, 10:38 AM   #15
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I had a bad strut as well a wheel bearing. 80,000 miles. Unfortunately, they were about 6 months apart so I got to revisit the scene of the crime. The hub replacement was very easy.
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