upper strut bearing installation

[gearheadE30]

Well, it is time for my car to get new upper strut bearings. The struts are reletively new bilstein sports, so I don't want to have to replace those. I've been told by a few people, however, that it is common for the removal of the upper strut bearing to damage the strut insert. Is this true? I'd like to get the project done in max. 2 days so that I don't need to borrow a car.

Also, my front wheel bearings are grinding a bit. The rears do this as well, and I was wondering if that is normal vehicle function. If not, how involved of a project is it to replace front wheel bearings?

[Febi Guibo]

yeah, I guess the deal is to loosen the nuts while the car is on the ground, but having said that, I could see how it could also torque the shock piston...

I guess you could remove the front strut assembly, remove the springs, wrap the piston with something that had some grip to it, and put it in the vice and remove the nuts...

[b318isp]

Use an air gun to release the nuts before you jack up the car. There is a high chance the damper will spin, but it shouldn't be an issue.

[gearheadE30]

Unfortunately, I don't have access to an air gun :(, Maybe I can find a friend who has one, because this seems like the easiest way to do it.

[1988E30M3]

An electric impact gun will do the trick too.
Just in case yau may have acess to one.

[gearheadE30]

I don't, but it is easier to buy one of those than it is to install an air compressor, pipes, etc. in the garage.

[kenika65]

Unfortunately, I don't have access to an air gun :(, Maybe I can find a friend who has one, because this seems like the easiest way to do it.

OK OK this is how I have done it twice! drive your car to a tire shop or any shop with air tools and ask them to brake the bolts loose with an air gun then drive home slowly and finish the install, then return there for them to tighten the bolts! Worked for me.

[RED IS 91]

have you even tried to loosen them ????
I just loosened mine no problem . You can also wrap a rag around the shock shaft and put a pair of vise grips on it to hold it . Be gentle and you shouldn't mar the shaft.
good luck

[gearheadE30]

No, I haven't. I still ned to order them, and now the front suspension is also making a metallic clanking noise when going over bumps. Seems to be coming from the ball joint area on both control arms. Any idea what that could be? I'd like to get it all put together at once so I don't have to take it apart again.

[RED IS 91]

that could be anything associated with the front end .You'll have to jack it up ,get under there and check it out . wiggle stuff around to see what's loose .
I did some of mine . I replaced the struts ,wheel bearings and the strut bearings last year.
It could be your control arms are worn out but you'll have to get under there to check.
gl

[gearheadE30]

I just put in poly offset front CABs and I think they are squeaking. The squeak could have been what I had mistaken to be the metallic thump. Is there a grease or lubricant that would get rid of a poly bushing squeak, or do I just have to live with it?