335I Replacing front Struts

well I started to replace the front struts on my 335I, and started the job today, and the struts on my 335 have the pinch type connector, the tube slides down thru the wheel assembly and I got to the point that I figured I would have to take all the linkage loose and drop the wheel assembly so I had enough room to pull the strut up and out, So bolted it back together and to the BMW place I will go. I guess I have lost my patience for stuff like this and seems I always break something during the process

I admire the young guys that keep at it till they are done, not that i am that old

now if I have a manual that told me how to do it, maybe I would keep going

its good I have a sales job that I work hard at and it pays well so I can pay someone else to do it

Hondo
know you limitations and dont be ashamed to admit you cant do it

Sorry you gave up so quickly

With the right tools*, this is a relatively easy job.

*newer cars increasingly require special tools for seemingly routine repairs.

Originally Posted by hondo402000

well I started to replace the front struts on my 335I, and started the job today, and the struts on my 335 have the pinch type connector, the tube slides down thru the wheel assembly and I got to the point that I figured I would have to take all the linkage loose and drop the wheel assembly so I had enough room to pull the strut up and out, So bolted it back together and to the BMW place I will go. I guess I have lost my patience for stuff like this and seems I always break something during the process

I admire the young guys that keep at it till they are done, not that i am that old

now if I have a manual that told me how to do it, maybe I would keep going

its good I have a sales job that I work hard at and it pays well so I can pay someone else to do it

Hondo
know you limitations and dont be ashamed to admit you cant do it

Don't give up yet! Here's how I did it, and that pinch clamp was no prob at all once I saw how it was easily opened.

Originally Posted by hondo402000

well I started to replace the front struts on my 335I, and started the job today, and the struts on my 335 have the pinch type connector, the tube slides down thru the wheel assembly and I got to the point that I figured I would have to take all the linkage loose and drop the wheel assembly so I had enough room to pull the strut up and out, So bolted it back together and to the BMW place I will go. I guess I have lost my patience for stuff like this and seems I always break something during the process

I admire the young guys that keep at it till they are done, not that i am that old

now if I have a manual that told me how to do it, maybe I would keep going

its good I have a sales job that I work hard at and it pays well so I can pay someone else to do it

Hondo
know you limitations and dont be ashamed to admit you cant do it

If you're doing it on a rack of sorts (alignment, 4 post, or 2 post) I recommend putting a come-along into the lower ball joint hole, where you removed it prior, and removing all other bolts prior to this, just pulling the steering knuckle down with everything else. It works great and will hold everything in place until you put it all back together. Also struts are so general go to a local indie shop and have them do it at a fraction of the cost if you do not succeed, as they will not screw it up (or at least I really hope so) But hey at least you gave it a shot man. Way better than 99% of people out there. Kudos to those who actually attempt to put in a little effort