I'm putting my stock suspension back on.

The front strut has a retaining nut on top and an allen headed indentation on the top of the shock. Their is a special oopen sided socket that allows you to keep the strut from turning while you tighten the top retaining nut.
Any ideas on where to buy this, other than BMW?

TIA,
mark

 

I was successful with a deep 21mm thin wall socket, a pipe wrench, and a long allen. I plan to grind the top of the thin wall socket to allow the use of a standard wrench.

 

Good idea - thanks!

 

Yep, about the exact same way I did it, but with vice grips. Once it's loose it seems that you can then use a ratchet with that socket.

Second thought, maybe I did use a pipe wrench

 

Snap-on tools. They typically sell their wares to local garages. I've been successful stopping by and asking for a particular tool - not to be found elsewhere. The Snap-on folk drop the tool off and I pay the garage. This arrangement also works if anything Snap-on breaks; I simply pick up the new tool, n/c.

...not that any of his will help you now. Just keep the idea logged in your mind for next time.

Ciao,

Michael

 

A 13/16 spark plug socket will work, it's very snug though.

 

Sears. They sell a socket set that is open to allow the "allen" wrench to pass through the center. They are not Craftsman brand but I have only seen them sold at Sears. If I remember right they are under $30 for the set. They work great. Bought them to do the struts on my STi and since I have found several other uses. Good investment.