BMW 2002 FAQ - Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...

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Thread Topic: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...

Date: 6-28-08 08:36
From: mike in Beavercreek, OH

Subject: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...

I finally (yea!) finished the front suspension rebuild on my '69 this afternoon, and in the buttoning up process tried to reinstall the black plastic caps atop the strut bearings.

They're supposed to snap over a rubber lip that's part of the bearing assembly, but the lip is significantly larger than the cap and there's no way it's gonna fit. The same thing occurred with (only) one of the new strut bearings I installed on my 73 last year. These are proper German bearings, not Third World knockoffs...

Anyone else encountered this problem? More importantly, has anyone figured out a fix? The caps are important, as they keep dirt and crud out of the ball bearings underneath 'em.

cheers
mike
_________________
'69 Nevada sunroof--"Wolfgang"--bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-- "Ludwig"--mine since '78
'87 eta E30 coupe--"Johannes"
+ Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette)...
and Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite,

Date: 6-28-08 08:54 From: FunElan in SoCal-Long Beach/Manhattan Beach, CA Subject: Re: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...
I had a similar problem, I managed to put them on but they both cracked shortly after. -Matt _________________ '68 Caribe 1600-1563167 (2/8/1968) http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2170/2655268992_e083ff0cbb.jpg?v=0

Date: 6-29-08 04:51 From: Jack in Westborough, MA Subject: Re: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...
Try putting the caps in hot water for a bit and see if they will confrom. I was able to get mine on, but it was a chore.

Date: 6-29-08 10:07 From: TobyB in Seattle Subject: Re: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...
The only thing I can think of- did you put the caps on with the car's weight on the front? On Jenn's car, I had to have the weight off the wheels to get the caps on. that's all I got, t _________________ I have a car disease. There is no cure. I'm not even managing the symptoms very well...

Date: 6-29-08 10:25
From: tjones02 in Vacaville, CA

Subject: Re: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...

Exactly what brand are the strut mounts? I only ask because I have been avoiding trying the Meyle ones and normally only use Dealer or Lemforder (OEM) ones. I have had problems with other Meyle products in the past and though they say things have improved I'm not willing to take the chance on customer cars...
_________________
Tom Jones
BMWCCA Life 49246
A Tech@ http://www.vmwerks.com
http://www.caseymotorsports.com
http://www.ipb-autosport.com
Drive coordinator
http://www.bayarea02.com
67 1600-2 Granada
3 more 1600-2s
67 1800A
86 528e 5sp Mine 379k
86 528eA Wife's

Date: 6-29-08 07:54
From: 02fanatic in Pennsylvania

Subject: Re: Odd problem with new upper strut bearings...

Mike:

Raise the front of the car and get the "load" off the suspension. Then the caps should go on easily. You shouldn't have to force them on. You might squirt a little Vinylex on the underside first.

Hope this helps,

John
_________________
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
John Weese
'72tii "Hugo"
'73tii "Atlantik"
'74 '02 "Inka"
'76 '02 "Malaga"
'72tii engine VIN 2760081 - waiting on a rebuild
"Keep your revs up and watch your mirrors!"

Date: 6-30-08 05:00 From: mike in Beavercreek, OH Subject: I'll try it with the suspension unloaded and report back...
Not sure what brand the bearings are, but I'll check tonight as I still have the packages in the trash can. mike _________________ '69 Nevada sunroof--"Wolfgang"--bought new '73 Sahara sunroof-- "Ludwig"--mine since '78 '87 eta E30 coupe--"Johannes" + Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette)... and Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite,

Date: 7-1-08 08:31
From: Sarki in New York

Subject: Re: I'll try it with the suspension unloaded and report back...

Mike, Curious how you made out with this as I'll be replacing my upper strut bearings during my strut install. I ordered the bearings from BavAuto and was going to order the dust caps from Maximillian. Wondering if you have succeeded in getting them to fit and where you ordered your from.

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

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