Front Shocks Question -- Need Help fast

[kngpen]

Hello, I had bought some slightly used bilstien shocks for my e34. Upon expection I noticed that the front shocks dont have the cups around them. Is it supposed to be this way (its just the solid tube []=====)__________) like that. How does the strut hold the spring on (do I use the stock one?).

[ssimms]

The fronts are inserts and you unscrew the collar on the strut housing and drop in the insert and reattach the collar. The spring perch is permanently welded on the strut itself. When purchasing new shocks you receive new collars. Therefore, I would assume you should buy a pair of new collars before installing them. Just good common practice I would think.

Scott

[Travelfeet]

What you have is technically a shock insert. You are correct in that you reuse the "cup" etc… from your car with the new shock. I got lazy and paid too much for someone else to install mine, but many others have done their own. Do some searching here and you will find lots of info. Extra things you will need - spring compressor, and a big pipe wrench plus some assistance to get the retaining collar off the old shock. The collars are easy to leave to loose, which gives you a nice clunk. My professional installers left them for me... Good luck.

[Travelfeet]

oops

[kngpen]

http://home.satx.rr.com/mrjoe83/front%20strut.JPG

[Bellicose Right Winger]

Are they Bilstein HD's or Sports? Did you get the retaining collar and the long blue bellows that comes with those shocks? IIRC the collar on my HD's contains a seal that wipes the shock and keeps out dirt. I don't think the OEM collar will even fit over the rod much less perform the sealing function.

Paul Shovestul


http://home.satx.rr.com/mrjoe83/front%20strut.JPG

[Karl]

Here's some pictures of the disassembly
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/suspension/front_shocks.htm