KW V2 Install Suggestions

simpleM3 · 12-16-2013, 05:35 AM

I am having a hard time tightening the front top strut nut on the KWs. The strut rod turns every time I attempt to tighten it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to do it?

approximate · 12-16-2013, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simple335i

I am having a hard time tightening the front top strut nut on the KWs. The strut rod turns every time I attempt to tighten it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to do it?

Specialtool at 15:25

jwzimm · 12-16-2013, 10:27 AM

Unless you have the special socket it will be tricky. My plan is to use a strap wrench to hold the strut rod while I torque the nut. I also found a passthrough socket wrench at Lowes that would work but that was like $40 with all the parts. Just be sure to apply the proper torque here. It is important to get this right.

romanonj · 12-16-2013, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwzimm

Unless you have the special socket it will be tricky. My plan is to use a strap wrench to hold the strut rod while I torque the nut. I also found a passthrough socket wrench at Lowes that would work but that was like $40 with all the parts. Just be sure to apply the proper torque here. It is important to get this right.

No need. Get a 21 mm spark plug socket and a long allen key.. Worked like charm! See pics below

nikitino25 · 12-16-2013, 12:47 PM

You can also buy a cheap socket and use an angle grinder to cut out the face of the socket to make it look just like the special socket needed....that way you can still use a tourque wrench. You can also use an impact gun but it's not recommended and you won't be able to tourque it properly. I think most shops use the impact though.....

PTek Will · 12-16-2013, 01:09 PM

an impact wrench also works. every time it initially hammers, it tightens it a little bit.

romanonj · 12-16-2013, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTek Will

an impact wrench also works. every time it initially hammers, it tightens it a little bit.

Couldnt that damage the strut?

jwzimm · 12-16-2013, 03:49 PM

Seriously guys, do not install these nuts with impact drivers!!!! They need to be torqued down properly. Do you really want your strut coming apart on you on the freeway?!? Also, you realize there is a bearing on your strut upper mount right? If you hammer this nut too tight you can destroy this bearing and you need that to work to allow your steering to move.

The spark plug socket idea works too but you should use a hex bit on your torque wrench so you know you have the right torque applied.

simpleM3 · 12-16-2013, 05:27 PM

Thanks for all the responses. No way will I use the impact wrench. Going to look into the home-made approach.

PTek Will · 12-18-2013, 01:47 AM

worked fine for me.. although i was using a makita which is only about 80lb/ft max. you basically do a series of burst fire on the wrench and it slowly tightens it. when it is too tight it will spin the strut rod with the bolt so there is really no worry to over tighten.

12-16-2013, 05:35 AM	#1
simpleM3 Major 163 Rep 1,396 Posts Drives: 06' E46 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (13) Garage List 19’ BMW M5C [0.00] 2007 E61 530XI [0.00] 2006 E46 M3 [0.00]	KW V2 Install Suggestions I am having a hard time tightening the front top strut nut on the KWs. The strut rod turns every time I attempt to tighten it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to do it?
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12-16-2013, 10:27 AM	#3
jwzimm Colonel 687 Rep 2,770 Posts Drives: '16 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (17)	Unless you have the special socket it will be tricky. My plan is to use a strap wrench to hold the strut rod while I torque the nut. I also found a passthrough socket wrench at Lowes that would work but that was like $40 with all the parts. Just be sure to apply the proper torque here. It is important to get this right.
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12-16-2013, 12:47 PM	#5
nikitino25 Captain 91 Rep 817 Posts Drives: '07 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Missouri iTrader: (2)	You can also buy a cheap socket and use an angle grinder to cut out the face of the socket to make it look just like the special socket needed....that way you can still use a tourque wrench. You can also use an impact gun but it's not recommended and you won't be able to tourque it properly. I think most shops use the impact though.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-16-2013, 01:09 PM	#6
PTek Will Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: san jose iTrader: (0)	an impact wrench also works. every time it initially hammers, it tightens it a little bit.
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12-16-2013, 03:49 PM	#8
jwzimm Colonel 687 Rep 2,770 Posts Drives: '16 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (17)	Seriously guys, do not install these nuts with impact drivers!!!! They need to be torqued down properly. Do you really want your strut coming apart on you on the freeway?!? Also, you realize there is a bearing on your strut upper mount right? If you hammer this nut too tight you can destroy this bearing and you need that to work to allow your steering to move. The spark plug socket idea works too but you should use a hex bit on your torque wrench so you know you have the right torque applied.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-16-2013, 05:27 PM	#9
simpleM3 Major 163 Rep 1,396 Posts Drives: 06' E46 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (13) Garage List 19’ BMW M5C [0.00] 2007 E61 530XI [0.00] 2006 E46 M3 [0.00]	Thanks for all the responses. No way will I use the impact wrench. Going to look into the home-made approach.
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12-18-2013, 01:47 AM	#10
PTek Will Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: san jose iTrader: (0)	worked fine for me.. although i was using a makita which is only about 80lb/ft max. you basically do a series of burst fire on the wrench and it slowly tightens it. when it is too tight it will spin the strut rod with the bolt so there is really no worry to over tighten.
	Appreciate 0 Quote