[MrN1ceGuy]

I am getting ready to install a set of Bilstein B8 and I wonder how you are torquing the 22mm top nut on the strut?

The nut is recessed in the top strut mount and most 7/8" or 22mm deep sockets are a tiny bit too think to get into the recess in the top mount.

I would appreciate product recommendations.

[parksjm7]

Originally Posted by MrN1ceGuy

I am getting ready to install a set of Bilstein B8 and I wonder how you are torquing the 22mm top nut on the strut?

The nut is recessed in the top strut mount and most 7/8" or 22mm deep sockets are a tiny bit too think to get into the recess in the top mount.

I would appreciate product recommendations.

I know I'd get slammed for this, but I used an impact driver at a low setting. I was able to source the socket with thin enough sidewall at autozone. We took the nut and strutmount there to make sure we got one that fits.

[LMB335IS]

Originally Posted by MrN1ceGuy

I am getting ready to install a set of Bilstein B8 and I wonder how you are torquing the 22mm top nut on the strut?

The nut is recessed in the top strut mount and most 7/8" or 22mm deep sockets are a tiny bit too think to get into the recess in the top mount.

I would appreciate product recommendations.

The proper way would be to use one of these.
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-33...ols/ES2703013/

[MrN1ceGuy]

Originally Posted by LMB335IS

The proper way would be to use one of these.
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-33...ols/ES2703013/

Already got one ordered, I will wait to see if it fits. I have tried the 7/8" O2 sensor socket and it is a little too thick.

[LMB335IS]

Originally Posted by MrN1ceGuy

Already got one ordered, I will wait to see if it fits. I have tried the 7/8" O2 sensor socket and it is a little too thick.

You should be good to go. They're thin walled to fit inside the tight opening.

[fravel]

Originally Posted by parksjm7

I know I'd get slammed for this, but I used an impact driver at a low setting. I was able to source the socket with thin enough sidewall at autozone. We took the nut and strutmount there to make sure we got one that fits.

That's what my indy did when he put in my Supreme Power perches. He built 128i race cars so I didn't scoff too much. Worked fine.

[mlifxs]

using the tool from ECS is probably the best way, but I've done the impact wrench + gripping the strut shaft, as close to the top as possible with vice-grips, protected with a piece of bicycle tube. Worked fine.

I think if you google this, it's a problem to solve on many cars and many people try their luck with the impact wrench + some method of gripping the strut shaft.

[LMB335IS]

This is another solution. It doesn't allow for a torque wrench but it does solve the problem of trying to grip the shaft. I've done this before purchasing the socket.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1...4&blockType=G4

[feuer]

Originally Posted by fravel

That's what my indy did when he put in my Supreme Power perches. He built 128i race cars so I didn't scoff too much. Worked fine.

Probably all professional mechanics will use the air tool. That is what is being used even in the factory when the car was assembled. I would not be concerned at all.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by LMB335IS

This is another solution. It doesn't allow for a torque wrench but it does solve the problem of trying to grip the shaft. I've done this before purchasing the socket.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1...4&blockType=G4

Those drive thru sockets are great. I have Kobalt. Got them very cheap. Like $80 for 30 piece set. If was not for them I was going to install externally adjustable Koni for the rear. With these sockets I do not have to. Drive thru socket and long inbus screw driver alllws me do it on the spot with out having to remove the shock of the car.

[chris@strutmonkey]

I would not recommend using an impact driver because over tightening the nut may cause squeaking of the assembly once installed. I would use the aforementioned strut nut tool. Or just buy my kits!
Best regards, Chris

[davidwarren]

Originally Posted by parksjm7

I know I'd get slammed for this, but I used an impact driver at a low setting. I was able to source the socket with thin enough sidewall at autozone. We took the nut and strutmount there to make sure we got one that fits.

that's what I did.

[MrN1ceGuy]

I just finished the install last night. I got impatient waiting for the tool to arrived. I went ahead and use a strap wrench to hold the piston while tightening the top nut with a 12-point deep socket. I will recheck torque with tool later today.

[brocklanders]

I bought a deep well socket set and used a crows foot on the torque wrench. Make sure the crows foot is ninety degrees on the torque wrench.

[brocklanders]

here

[brocklanders]

i believe I got it at an auto parts store or Northern Tool.

[ucdbiendog]

from harbor freight, used these to install my bilsteins

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...set-62305.html

also used a crows foot to torque

[MrN1ceGuy]

Originally Posted by ucdbiendog

from harbor freight, used these to install my bilsteins

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...set-62305.html

also used a crows foot to torque

These are neat tools. I will need to get me a set next time I am at HFT.

[ssdara]

Originally Posted by ucdbiendog

from harbor freight, used these to install my bilsteins

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...set-62305.html

also used a crows foot to torque

I believe if you use a crows foot to torque it has to be set at 90* to the wrench otherwise your introducing math into the equation... all that sounded scary to me so I just gripped with old serpentine belt and torque wrenched from top