[CALWATERBOY]

To assist strut removal, there are various pinch spreader tools.



You experienced mechanics, shadetree & pro, what do you recommend?

[mike-y]

for the e9x, I use my ghetto custom spreader, which works great

[kevin@bavarianx]

Pry bar or small crow bar works wonders.

[Beas]

idk man, even with pry bars, sometimes the fronts are really stuck in there. i used a ton of penetrating oil and everything i could think of to pry the knuckle open and it took me forever to get that thing out. had to use spring clamps eventually which was a pain in the ass.

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by Beas

idk man, even with pry bars, sometimes the fronts are really stuck in there. i used a ton of penetrating oil and everything i could think of to pry the knuckle open and it took me forever to get that thing out. had to use spring clamps eventually which was a pain in the ass.

Did you use the tool in the first post?

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by mike-y

for the e9x, I use my ghetto custom spreader, which works great

DUDE!

I salute you.

Not only did the 1/4" male fit right in the pinch, but on turning 45 degrees, it opened the clamp better than any pry bar.

I had major problems with other techniques....hammered, pried, air hammered, pulled; mucho penetrating silicone lube. Zero effect.

But after trying your approach, the strut simply and easily lifted out on the first try!!!

Whoa. You are my HERO!

[HP Autosport]

here is the special tool for the job.

[mike-y]

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

DUDE!

I salute you.

Not only did the 1/4" male fit right in the pinch, but on turning 45 degrees, it opened the clamp better than any pry bar.

I had major problems with other techniques....hammered, pried, air hammered, pulled; mucho penetrating silicone lube. Zero effect.

But after trying your approach, the strut simply and easily lifted out on the first try!!!

Whoa. You are my HERO!

Attachment 631364

Haha

glad it worked for you too. I remember the first time I did the job it was a PITA with a small prybar, then I heard about the socket adapter from somewhere, and it worked great! I've used this method 3 times now! you just have to buy a new one after a few uses, but at least they're cheap

[redfred18t]

Anyone know if a vw strut spreader will work with the bmw? That Schwaben tool looks very similar to the vw one I have

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by mike-y

Haha

glad it worked for you too. I remember the first time I did the job it was a PITA with a small prybar, then I heard about the socket adapter from somewhere, and it worked great! I've used this method 3 times now! you just have to buy a new one after a few uses, but at least they're cheap

Just about everyone has one adapter....gotta wonder if silicone lube helps - mine showed no wear. Schwaben unit might be hardened steel....?

Saw the Schwaben bit, but your solution was an already-have-the-tool situation.