What are the speciel tools needed for the springs install on my mcs? BMW part number please?

 

I am sure that MINI / BMW has a special tool but it isnt that hard...
My local rental co and even local car parts store rents COIL SPRING COMPRESSORS ...
This does make it very easy.
My son and I do them with NO compressor.
We use motoecycle tie downs to keep the spring compressed BEFORE removal. That way the spring wont go flying around when you disasemble the units.
For install ... one of us pushes down on the unit and the other can work quickly and catch a few theeads.

PLEASE be careful ... be safe first but it is doable

 

If I remember correctly bmw makes a special tool to remove the top nut. But I just used a spark plug socket and an allen wrench and it work just fine.

Nik

 

Thats the part im reffering to...it looks like a socket with the side cut out....part number? What did you use explan?

 

Here's how i did it: Take the strut out, point it towards something that will absorb impact, use your impact gun to remove the top nut with your foot securing the bottom of the strut, get it to about a thread before it comes of the stud and let it rip! It kicks but not as much as you would think. You'll be alright. COR BLMY's way seems pretty good too and much safer.

 

I don't have a part number for the tool, but you cold give any mini dealer a call to get it. I used a spark plug socket of the correct size and an allen wrench. The spark plug sockets are like a nut on top so you can use a wrench (open end or box end) to turn the nut, then the allen wrench can go thru the socket and keep the shaft from spinning.

Oh, I rented spring compressors, I don't like shooting springs around the neighborhood

Nik

 

What's wrong with that?

 

Nothing

 

I already have a spring compressor, so I just puchased the special socket. It's a Hazet socket, got the part number from realoem.com, then locked it up on internet. It wasn't cheap though, like 65 bucks. But it is a well make socket and I like fine tools better than cheap ones.

 

I rememberr now ...
A spark plug is open on the end AND has a hex head so ... that and and allen ... your good to go

 

For photos, part numbers, links, and tips https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=92737 .

I’ve discovered the allen slot on some aftermarket front strut shafts round-out easily, Bilstein’s in particular (mine are just a hole now), but the OEMs can tolerate many R&Rs. These days I use a deep set thin wall impact socket and cordless impact wrench to remove the front strut nut and a torque stick when installing. I also don’t use a spring compressor any more; to think I used to get very nervous even with a spring compressor when taking the nut past the last threads. I still use an allen and torque wrench on the rears where the torque required is less.

 

note: don't ever reinstall the topnut with an impact gun alone....you will break the strut

 

I always have used an impact gun to install the top nut but I turn the pressure/torque down. The strut will not break if you are not putting any more torque on it with the impact as you are with a socket/allen combo. I agree that an impact gun should not be used at full pressure/torque to install the nut or you will cause a problem but if careful there should be no problem and it is much easier with the impact gun.

 

This sounds silly but the huge zipties work like a charm.