So Fix it

When an automobile encounters bumps or other things that cause rough driving, struts work to soften the effects of this. However, struts that need to be replaced will lose these characteristics. This is one reason why having information on struts and repairs can be beneficial.

Tools

In many instances, the strut can be swung out from underneath the vehicle once the upper part has been unbolted. However, this is not always the case. In many strut jobs, a special type of pipe wrench, or spanner wrench, will be needed.

Replacement

A rebuildable strut has cartridges, and allows for repairs simply by changing out old cartridges with new ones. These jobs can be accomplished without completely having to remove the struts. Other replacement jobs require that the upper bearing plate be removed before changing cartridges.

Tips

Strut replacement often is followed by wheel alignment. Because of this, it can be beneficial to mark the location of the upper strut mounts before getting started. By doing this, wheel alignment can be somewhat maintained, and there should be less adjustments needed once the strut job is completed.

The BMW 635CSi is part of the BMW 6-series line of vehicles. The struts are part of the cars suspension. Struts prevent the car from bouncing too much. When struts go bad, it is apparent in the handling of the vehicle. Bad struts will begin to affect other parts of the vehicles suspension, so they should be replaced as soon as damage is evident. For best results, both struts should be replaced at the same time, and struts designed to fit on the 635CSi should be used.

Instructions

1

Park the BMW 635CSi on a flat, level surface, and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Place a jack under the center of the vehicle, and jack it up until jack stands can be placed under both axles. Remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Remove the wheel.

2

Remove the sway bar end from the strut with a socket wrench. Remove the brake hose bracket with a socket wrench. Loosen the bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle. Remove the caliper mounting bolts, then remove the caliper. Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts.

3

Remove the bolts from the upper strut mounting bracket with a socket wrench. Remove the lower strut mounting bolts. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

4

Compress the spring on the strut with a strut spring compressor. Remove the shaft nut with an open ended wrench. Remove the strut mount.

5

Thread the strut shaft nut onto the new strut with a torque wrench, and tighten it to the pressure indicated on the strut packaging. Remove the spring compressor.

6

Put the strut assembly in position, and install the lower mounting bolts and the upper mounting bracket with a socket wrench.

7

Reinstall the strut-to knuckle bolts with a socket wrench, but do not tighten them completely. Mount and secure the caliper with a socket wrench. Finish tightening the strut-to-knuckle bolts. Reattach the brake hose bracket and sway bar end.

8

Place the wheel back on the hub, and tighten the lug nuts most of the way with a lug wrench.

9

Repeat the entire procedure with the other strut.

10

Remove the jack stands, and lower the BMW. Tighten all of the lug nuts completely with the lug wrench.

Placed at the front end of most front-wheel-drive vehicles, struts support the vehicles weight while absorbing the shock from bumps and other abnormalities in the road. You cannot depend on a vehicle with bad struts to function properly in an emergency. If you notice any bad strut symptoms, take your vehicle in for evaluation and repair.

Bouncing and Rocking

If you notice that your vehicle no longer drives smoothly and bounces excessively when driving over bumps in the road or braking, your struts many be going bad. You may also notice abnormal rocking and sway in your vehicle while you drive. To test your struts, perform a bounce test by pushing down one corner of your car and letting it bounce back up. If the vehicle bounces a lot, that corner of the vehicle has a bad shock or strut.

Worn Tires

Uneven tread wear on your tires may be a result of bad struts. The excessive bouncing caused by bad struts could result in balding spots, wear channels or cupping patterns on your tires.

Bottoming Out

When your struts need replacement, your car will bottom out when driving over dips in the road, especially when carrying extra passengers. Bottoming out occurs when the struts or shock absorbers fail to support the frame of the car, and your car lands "hard" after going over a bump. You may notice this phenomenon happening in the front of your car. When you brake, your car tends to nose dive when your struts fail.

Leaks

Your struts consist of shock oil, dampening valves, a piston, main seal and a main body. When your struts fail, the internal dampening value or main shaft seal stops working. This results in the shock oil leaking out.

Rattling

When your struts give out, youll notice loose rattling sounds in your car while driving, especially when you go over bumps in the road. This happens when the inside parts of the struts strike the outside of the struts.