E46 M3 Front Strut Removal - HELP

M3sport · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 08:11 PM

Okay, upon removing the pertinent bolts to take the front strut out, it appears that there is NOT enough clearance to remove the strut from the lower arm. Apparently it's NOT the same cookie cut-out job as it is with the subordinate 3 series models (sorry if that sounds rude, no harm intended).

Things I've seen in archives or have thought of -- loosen subframe (how much?); turn steering wheel (tried that); get a Snap On scissor-type spring compressor, compress strut, and remove (too expensive); disconnect hub unit from lower control arm (i hate disconnecting ball joints); pay someone to do it (NEVER, i have two hands and a brain....must optimize!!!).

RaceR_X_320i · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2002, 07:59 PM

just rent a strut spring compressor from kragen or some place like that, lots of places have tool sharing programs that you pay to rent it, and when you bring the tool back, you get your money back. as far as taking out the struts, basically ( not sure about the specifics) but you take of the brakes, unscrew all the strut bolts ( 3 of them) from the engine compartment, undo all the ball joints to isolate the strut, remove the lower control arm, and i believe on those cars, the strut is just one piece and you can unbolt it from the spindle/hub or lower control arm or whatever, i'm just telling you basically what to do. its not very hard, just take off things in some concievable order to get to the core thing, which is the strut. good luck to you, hope everything works out. also try roadfly.com and the E46 M3 forum there for much more info than i could give.

M3sport · #3 (**permalink**) 09-26-2002, 09:19 PM

Thanks for the reply.

The only spring compressor that will fit while the strut is on the car is the snap on one. Do you need a ball joint tool to remove the knuckle from the lower arm? i just remember having to deal w/ball joints on hondas, which required a lot of force to seperate.

RaceR_X_320i · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2002, 07:55 AM

as far as the ball joints, just get a prybar and a hammer. hit the ball joint to break it loose, then use the pry bar to separate. it is time consuming and doesnt look or sound good, but it works, if it takes ten whacks of the hammer or 100, the ball joint will come loose, it just takes patience and hard work.