[D_o_S]

Hi,

Can I remove the studs from the strut top hat on the front suspension with the struts still installed? I'll be installing the M3 strut brace and I would like to use longer studs, since the stock ones are a bit short for the M3 brace...

How do I remove them? With a counternut (dunno if that's the right term... 2 nuts ontop of each other, turn the bottom one to loosen and the top one to tighten)?

Will it throw my alignment off?

Thanks.

[MikeR1994]

You're really best off just removing the shock if you plan on doing that. Should just be a splined section on the bolt. However I have never heard of anyone replacing the bolts on the spring hat for this install. Have you tried it with the car on the ground? There should be enough exposed stud to fit the brace.

[335dFan]

There is a very recent thread on this same subject with pictures.

[mike-y]

you can knock them out from above (do one at a time), but it may be hard to get the ne new ones in from the bottom with the spring and strut assembled. reach up there and see how much room you have with the strut still installed.

worse case scenario is that you knock them out from the top of the strut tower, and then have to drop the strut afterward to install the new ones. At that point, you'll probably need a spring comrpressor.

[D_o_S]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

There is a very recent thread on this same subject with pictures.

Well, I couldn't find it here, nor on google search... can you point me to it please?

Also, how do I remove studs in general? I've ordered the M3 brace, and the rings have long studs in them... I'd like to use shorter ones... can I twist them out with a counternut?

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by D_o_S

Well, I couldn't find it here, nor on google search... can you point me to it please?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=802894

[D_o_S]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=802894

Thanks, however this does not talk about replacing studs? Or am I missing something... ?

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by D_o_S

Thanks, however this does not talk about replacing studs? Or am I missing something... ?

Since putting an M3 Strut Tower Brace is not at the top of my list, I did not review the details. I just mentioned it because I didn't recall the post saying anything about the studs, so I just blithely assumed it was not necessary. I am interested in that brace eventually, because I think it is the easy way to get to adjustment items on the front end dampers. But maybe not necessary. I will know in a couple of weeks whether I need it or not. The VAC Motorsports guy told me the 2011 E90 frames were so rigid already that the money would be better spent on other toys.