BMW 2002 FAQ - Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!

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Thread Topic: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!

Date: 4-18-08 06:25
From: patmcc76

Subject: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!

I just installed a set of rear Bilstein HDs on my 76 2002.

I can't get the nut on the top to tighten down.

I used the new nut, rubber bushing and metal insert that came with the new shocks.

The self tightening nut that was provided started but then the thread on the top of the shock began to turn along with the nut. The whole thing just spins and the nut does not tighten down.

The nut is about flush with the top of the threads on the shock but is nowhere near snug let along tight on the rubber bushing on the shock tower.

There's a little more than 1/8th inch of exposed thread between the bottom of the nut and the top of the rubber busing.

Help please!

Date: 4-18-08 06:36 From: 76duece in Westchester, NY. Land of SUVs Subject: Re: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!
I think there is an allen keyway at the top of that bolt you are trying to tighten, which is actually the shaft of the shock. You hold it from spinning by putting the allen key there, then tighten the nut. Hope this helps. Larry

Date: 4-18-08 07:03 From: patmcc76 Subject: Re: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!
Why yes there is! I overlooked that and assumed something was really wrong. Instead there was an easy fix. This site is such a great resource. Thanks for the insight and quick response!

Date: 4-18-08 07:03
From: Supergeek in Los Angeles

Subject: Re: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!

76duece wrote:

I think there is an allen keyway at the top of that bolt you are trying to tighten, which is actually the shaft of the shock. You hold it from spinning by putting the allen key there, then tighten the nut. Hope this helps.
Larry

Yup. You need to hold the top of the shock thread with an Allen key then turn the nut. Good luck!
_________________
David G.
1976 BMW 2002 "Diana" Smog? What smog!!
1998 Nissan 200SX "Sayuki" Can't argue with 35 MPG!!
1987 Nissan 300ZX My Dad's old Z will soon be mine!!

Date: 4-18-08 09:51 From: incrETAble in Woodbridge, CA 95258 Subject: Re: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!
When i do suspension, i put a leather cloth around the shock shaft and use a pipe wrench, it doesnt scar the piston shaft and it has a high coefficient of friction, letting you hold the shock shaft as you tighten the upper nut. Works great when air tools arent an option.

Date: 4-19-08 08:14 From: PeterVarga Subject: Re: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!
your 'acorn' nut has a nylon retainer in the top. When the piston rod thread comes in contact with the unseated nylon it requires more torque. thats why you need the counter wrench.

Date: 5-23-08 08:15
From: Sarki in New York

Subject: Re: Rear Bilstein Shock Install / Tightening Question Help!!

I was thinking about attempting the installation of some frt & rear Bilstein HD's on my 74 Tii. Wondering if it's more involved and better left for the shop. I would imagine a spring compressor is needed for the fronts. Any other special tools or advice/tips. I'm guessing the rears are fairly straight forward.

Thanks guys for your thoughts.
_________________
74 Tii
01 S2000
06 Tacoma
"Why Johnny Ringo, looks like somebody just walked ova your grave" -Tombstone-Val Kilmer

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