Replacing front EDC struts

[cmk]

I just received my new front EDC struts (well left anyways, still waiting for right).

I'm not too concerned about doing the replacement except for one part - removing/replacing the bearing.

From what i've read it seems that the inner race will likely separate when pulling the hub.

How much of a problem is this, seeing as i plan on putting the old hub on the new strut ?

Are there any other gotcha's i should expect while replacing the strut ?

... granted all of this may be moot if i can't find a 46mm socket.

[BillionPa]

the bearing does separate when removing, but it can also separate when putting the new one in as well so be careful

i got a 1 13/16" socket, fits fine

make sure you have a long ass breaker bar!


oh and by the way you wont be able to get the hub off without a bearing puller, its on there tight.

did you get new bolts to attach the strutt to the stearing arms too? they are fairly cheap and go it a lot better than rusted ones.

[cmk]

>> the bearing does separate
But i assume there is no problem putting the inner race back in, to put the hub on the new strut, I just have to be carefull not to spill the bearings - correct ?

>> make sure you have a long ass breaker bar!
:) Yes, i figured that.
I generally slide the handle to my floor jack over the breaker bar as needed.

>> you wont be able to get the hub off without a bearing puller
Do i need a BMW special tool or will one of the generic pullers do ?

>> did you get new bolts to attach the strutt to the stearing arms too?
I haven't, I replaced all the arms last fall and the bolts were good.

[BillionPa]

are you getting new wheel hubs or using the old ones?

[Bleeding_Knuckles]

your replacing the wheel bearings for what? to change the shocks?

[BillionPa]

no he is getting new struts, the entire assembly. but it has no hubs on it.

[Bleeding_Knuckles]

think he should get new bearings incase the race gets beat up removing it?

[inkfish]

Mine will most likely need replacement soon as they are original with 83k. I'm hoping that Boge will be selling directly before I need to take the plunge.

Thanks!

Ben

benmbryan@hotmail.com

[cmk]

Got them from BMA for ~US$900 (per strut - only the strut no other bits).

Also bought all the other bits and pieces (just in case any are too rusted).
i.e. pads, plates, bolts, ... basically everything on:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE53&mospid=47410&btnr=31_0232&hg=31&fg=10
except the spring and rubber boot (mine are fine, but in hind-sight i should have bought them anyways. I just know i'm going to rip mine taking them off and end up cursing a blue-streak).

Total for both front struts and all hardware was ~US$2400.
... plus another CAN$350 in customs (shipped to Toronto).

[cmk]

I'm planning on getting new bearings (and discs) this summer _if_ these are shot, right now i think they are still good.

I also only want to change one thing at a time (and see how the change feels).