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How to Replace the Struts on a 1970 BMW 635CSi

The BMW 635CSi is part of the BMW 6-series line of vehicles. The struts are part of the car's 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 vehicle's 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.

Tools Used: Lug wrench, Jack, Jack stands, Socket wrench, Spring compressor, Open-ended wrench, Torque wrench

Replace the Struts

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Repeat the entire procedure with the other strut.

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

Tips & Warnings

When the strut is being replaced, inspect the brake rotor, brake pads, steering knuckle and CV boots for damage and wear.

When the spring on the strut assembly is fully compressed, it is under a great deal of pressure. Be careful when dealing with tightly compressed springs.

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