Strut stuck? Removing camber pins

[doofus4000]

Trying to increase the front camber by moving the front struts and removing the camber pins as per

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_camber.shtml

The strut is totally stuck in its original position (which is in the centre the 3 holes in the engine bay so plenty of room either direction to move). No amount of heaving etc on the wheel or strut can move it.

Anyone any ideas? Thanks

 

[doofus4000]

Nobody done their own camber pins on here?

 

[mmm-five]

Have you tried driving it (very slowly of course) to release it?

Not done it myself as I don't feel mine needs it.

 

[doofus4000]

Have you tried driving it (very slowly of course) to release it?

Not done it myself as I don't feel mine needs it.

I havnt no, be afraid of the strut coming out! Should it be loose/free when you undo them top bolts? Anyway would that work in your opinion? Just thinking what if I slackened the top bolts, released the car back down to the ground placing pressure back on the strut, would that free it? I need it as I've a slight bit of rubbing on et35 wheels.

 

[mmm-five]

Depends why it's not releasing. If it's just due to never been removed previously then it might release it for you.

I don't mean drive 10 miles or so, just backwards & forwards along the 20ft or so of the drive or street outside - and loosen one side at a time (leaving the nuts on, but a couple of turns from the top so the strut can't 'pop off'.

Otherwise it's a matter of putting WD40 on the bolts and leaving them for a while to loosen. Still might not be enough though, depending on how long they've been on there.

 

[doofus4000]

Ok I'll re loosen them and let the car role for a few metres and hopefully that shall do the trick. Will report back after giving it a go. Cheers mmm

 

[doofus4000]

Ok so I tried driving about 100 metres on the offside again and still nothing, won't budge. Give up and went round the nearside and it moved straight off with no persuasion. So...any other ideas people? Think I've done my back in heaving on the wheel lol

 

[bcworkz]

Big hammer? Seriously, with care, to break the corrosion loose.

 

[doofus4000]

Big hammer? Seriously, with care, to break the corrosion loose.

Where do you suggest I strike it to free it up? I was pushing very hard to move it and striking with that sort of force may just break something!

 

[bcworkz]

I'm guessing the support plate is corroded to the strut tower. Apply liberal penetrating 'oil' and let soak. Remove the centre plastic cap if you have one. Leave nuts covering the tops of studs to protect threads and keep whole assembly from falling out if it comes free. Lower support under wheel so it's barely hanging free. Using a hardwood block, tap downwards around on the tower sheet metal, the three studs, and the centre nut. You can hit the centre nut fairly hard. You can try to hit the centre sideways as well, always using the wood block.

You're trying to use shock waves to loosen the corrosion, you can hit fairly hard, but use common sense. Start easy and build up force. I'm not responsible if you break/bend something. :wink:

If you get no satisfaction, try the driving bit again, the combination may do it. I would normally use heat in this situation, but it would probably ruin the paint. Good luck mate!

 

[doofus4000]

I'm guessing the support plate is corroded to the strut tower. Apply liberal penetrating 'oil' and let soak. Remove the centre plastic cap if you have one. Leave nuts covering the tops of studs to protect threads and keep whole assembly from falling out if it comes free. Lower support under wheel so it's barely hanging free. Using a hardwood block, tap downwards around on the tower sheet metal, the three studs, and the centre nut. You can hit the centre nut fairly hard. You can try to hit the centre sideways as well, always using the wood block.

You're trying to use shock waves to loosen the corrosion, you can hit fairly hard, but use common sense. Start easy and build up force. I'm not responsible if you break/bend something. :wink:

If you get no satisfaction, try the driving bit again, the combination may do it. I would normally use heat in this situation, but it would probably ruin the paint. Good luck mate!

Had thought of penetrating fluid but didnt know where to start applying it. Which part exactly is the support plate..ive linked two diagrams of the strut below, forgive my lack of mechanical knowledge

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DU52&mospid=49421&btnr=31_0648&hg=31&fg=10

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=DU52&mospid=49421&btnr=31_0646&hg=31&fg=10

 

[bcworkz]

Number 1 in first image, "guide support". I think this is stuck to the bottom of the strut tower, so apply around the hole in the tower and to the base of the 3 studs.

 

[doofus4000]

Number 1 in first image, "guide support". I think this is stuck to the bottom of the strut tower, so apply around the hole in the tower and to the base of the 3 studs.

Ok had narrowed it down to that piece and a few others, will let you know after I have a bash at it. Thanks.

 

[daz05]

Ok stupid question but are both wheels off the ground when you are trying to adjust? They will only move when both wheels are lifted.

ETA - Sorry I just noticed you had one off already.

 

[doofus4000]

Ok stupid question but are both wheels off the ground when you are trying to adjust? They will only move when both wheels are lifted.

ETA - Sorry I just noticed you had one off already.

Yes sir lolol

 

[zee42]

just put the tools down and walk away

 

[doofus4000]

just put the tools down and walk away

Why would you say that?