Problem with bumper shocks

[FLEMINGO]

Im currently drilling and tucking the front bumper shocks in my 76' 2002, all of the fluid is out and one of them easily retracted. However, the other shock wont move, i tried hammering on it but it didnt do much. I noticed a bolt on the back of each shock, does that have something to do with it?

[Stevenc22]

No the bolt on the back shouldnt do anything. I did have to give one of my shocks a thorough beating with a rubber malet! Make sure shock is not making contact with the lip of the hole in front fender.

 

Alternative is just buy some cheap exhaust tubing and replace the shocks.

 

[doslucero]

I had the same problem.  One shock retracted while the other was stuck.  After trying to hammer on the shock with it still on the car, it still didn't budge.  I unbolted the shock and pulled it off the car (pretty easy, only one bolt, given you took off the bumper already).  Then I stood the shock upright and hammered on it with a sledge hammer (place a piece of wood on top where you are hammering).  It eventually retracted but I had to hit it pretty hard.  You could probably put it in a vice if you have one (I didn't).  Also, if the shock that is stuck is on the drivers side, take out the battery to get to the bolt (BMW cut a hole in the battery tray for easy access to the bolt.  Good luck. 

Edited May 9, 2017 by doslucero