steering and suspension Help On Checking Strut Bearing

[seattle2002tii]

I'm trying to check if the washer #1 in attached figure is install correctly.  My steering doesn't return to center easily while driving.

 

I have my BMW 2002tii on jack stands.  I have the hubs, brake discs/calipers, and sway bar drop link off on both sides.  I also have the locknut off on the strut (#5 in figure) and all three bolts off the strut hat ring.  My springs are loose (easily move around), not in compression, I must have shorter springs, don't need a spring compressor to remove tension on strut bearing.  I do have spring compressers available, if needed.

 

The strut assembly doesn't want to pull down.  Seeking advise, do I use a wood block and hammer on the top of the strut or ? to get access to washer #1?

 

Other posts have shown pictures of strut assembly dropping down and being able to clear fender without pulling bolts at bottom of strut assembly.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Mike87]

Unhook the sway bar on both sides from the control arms and you will gain a little room.

[FB73tii]

It is difficult to get a full-length strut (not shortened) out from under the fender. Since you've got everything else apart it will be easiest just to remove the three bolts holding the ball joint to the control arm. With a shorter strut (and really short coilover springs) I can compress the shock from the top and get the strut down inside the fender well and then finagle it out. But much easier just to pull from the bottom.

 

Why do you suspect the washer? Was work done recently? Has it always been this way? You'll want to go through all the various suspension and steering pieces and make sure they are in good shape. Does the steering wheel turn easily when the tie rods are disconnected from the struts? If not, look at the steering idler arm bushing for one.

 

Fred '69 & /74tii

Edited September 29, 2013 by FB73tii

[seattle2002tii]

Thanks Fred,

 

I already have the swaybar disconnected on both sides.  I would expect the strut shaft to slide down, out of the bearing, but it's real tight.  I guess need to push down on the lower suspension arm?

 

I purchased the 2002 a few months ago, the previous owner had the struts replaced, others have told me if could be washer installed upside down.  My primary repair is to service the brakes (rotors/pads), so just trying to check the strut washer while I'm doing the brakes.  With the front end on jack stands, the steering works very easily, don't feel any binding in the steering box or assembly.

[FB73tii]

Yep, push down the control arm with your foot. I would undo the three bolts on the strut bushing (thought you already did this) and pull the strut with bushing attached. This way you can compress the strut from the top as well. Trying to pull the strut with the bushing bolted in place is difficult. Since I have solid mount camber plates I just undo two bolts to free the top of the strut.

 

Fred

Edited September 29, 2013 by FB73tii

['76mintgrün'02]

You will need to unbolt the bracket that the rubber brake lines are attached to in order to get the control arm down far enough to pull the strut top out from under the fender.