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Re: Follow Up after reassembly

You can use that new impact to get the nuts off. That way you don't have to hold the strut shaft. Just put the spring compressor on the springs with bit of load and pop the nut off. Chuck
2003 530i 5spd
2001 330Ci 5 spd (daughters car)
1995 525i 5spd, Eibach Pro, Koni's, Zimmermans
1976 2002 Really long term project
1991 Audi 200tq 20v Avant

Heluva deal on that air impact! Way ta go.

Re: PLEASE BE EXTREMELY CAREFULL!!

I have a spring compressor, I have changed all of the suspension on a past E28, but not an E34. I did pick up a new air impact wrench yesterday at Sears. They had one with 640 ft lbs on clearance for $20.

PLEASE BE EXTREMELY CAREFULL!!

You didn't mention weather or not you used a spring compressor when trying to remove the top nut. DO NOT try to remove that top nut without using a compressor. It could litterally kill you! As for the control arm, yes it will have quite a bit of play because it is rubber mounted.


Regards,
M.R.

Follow Up after reassembly

I put her all back together and with the strut remounted the front pieces feel tight, so I guess with the bushing in the control arm there would be some play.

Control Arm and Upper Strut Mount Question

Last night I pulled a strut off in order to start replacing the upper strut mounts as mine started squeeking this past winter when cold. While I had the strut out I inspected the other parts. I could move the lower control forward and back about 1/2 inch. Is this normal with the strut removed?

Unfortunetly, I could not get the top nut loosed in order to replace the mount and had to put it all back together. When I had my E28 I could use a spark plug socket on the nut and an allen wrench to hold the shaft and then use a big adjustable wrench to hold the shaft and get it off. The nut on the E34 is bigger and I guess I will take both struts off and have a shop replace the upper mounts. I dont' want to mess up the shafts as the shocks are good. FYI, I had the strut off of the car in 45 minutes.