x5 front shock replacement -help please

[kevinkay]

thanks.
Like I said I am overall happy and don't have a complaint or problem, just thought a "treat" of new shocks was in order. I hear you - and maybe I am making a mistake and should wait until it all needs a rebuild.....
Bought Sachs - they tell me they are OEM??

[Gregory891]

Front & rear X5 (E53) conventional shocks are Bilstein low pressure gas (B4 version). Sachs would be comparable. If you want firmer, move to Bilstein B6 (yellow), I did and am happy with the results. Roads where I live are in good shape and I don't run 20" tires.

[pezho405]

Hey Sanek, Dont be this guy

[admranger]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

You should NEVER use an impact tool on the shaft nut, the aluminium hat sometimes breaks and an added bonus is you can easily destroy the internal foot valve. There's a special tool.......

Link to place to purchase?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by admranger

Link to place to purchase?

$22.95 here......I picked mine up off E-bay a few yrs ago for $15.

BMW Performance Suspension

You will need the 21mm unit for your application. Part # 33128

[pezho405]

cant you just use a wrench instead of the special tool?

[TiAgX5]

If you plan on DIYing struts on numerous vehicles this is the way to go. A lot here for $118.

Jumbo Master Strut Shock Nut Tool Set Including 19mm 21mm and 22mm Open Socket | eBay

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

$22.95 here......I picked mine up off E-bay a few yrs ago for $15.

BMW Performance Suspension

You will need the 22mm unit for your application. Part # 33129

My next justifiable purchase. Thus far, I just use an open end wrench and an allen wrench to hold the shaft. If the top is plain I grab it with vise grips. The torque on the nut is very low--a breeze to remove.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by pezho405

cant you just use a wrench instead of the special tool?

If you remove the aluminium cap/strut assembly from the chassis shock tower it's possible to use an open end. How will you torque during installation without this special tool???

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

My next justifiable purchase. Thus far, I just use an open end wrench and an allen wrench to hold the shaft. If the top is plain I grab it with vise grips. The torque on the nut is very low--a breeze to remove.

Hahaha. I've done the vise grip method yrs ago, would not suggest it to a novice DIYer because any marring on the working area of the strut shaft will quickly damage the top seal of the damper resulting in leakage/ruined strut.