How hard is it to replace the front struts on an ix?

Kinger · 10-10-2006, 02:18 PM

Im getting some ridiculous quotes on replacing the front strut inserts so im wondering how hard it would be to do myself. What kinda time would you estimate this would require? What special tools would i need?

B-e30_e46 · 10-10-2006, 02:23 PM

I just did my front springs/struts, regreased & rebooted the half-shafts and did the front wheel bearings and brakes (pads & rotors). I've never done anything like that ever before, only more routine maintenance like brake jobs, fluid changes, etc. I am fortunate enough to have friends with enough know-how & tools to point me in the right direction and assist from time to time. But for me it was challenging and time consuming. If you are more mechanically experienced it would be easier.

Here are some DIYs which should help:

http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...Front%20Shock1

http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...Front%20Shock2

http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...ontrol%20Arms1

good luck!

btw what kind of quotes were you getting, so I know how much I saved in labor costs?

Kinger · 10-10-2006, 09:08 PM

Thankyou thats exactly what i needed.

One place quoted me about $850 parts and labor. About how long did the job take you?

B-e30_e46 · 10-11-2006, 09:06 AM

tough for me to say for just the front strut inserts as I also did:

front springs
front wheel bearings
rebooted & regreased half-shafts
front rotors
front pads

rear shocks
rear springs
rear rotors
rear pads

front & rear diff gear oil changes
transmission & transfer case fluid changes

So it took me a while, especially with my lack of mechanic skills (although this project improved them greatly)

Jase007 · 10-11-2006, 12:31 PM

Here is a writeup I did with pics back on 3/2004:

Pelican - iX strut replacement Part 1

Pelican - IX strut replacement Part 2

Good luck.

Jason

Klaus · 11-08-2006, 08:44 PM

It took me about 3 hours a side, getting the strut tube nut off was the worst for me. Heat it up, let it cool, heat some more and use some huge channel locks. Good luck.

JiXer · 11-14-2006, 03:37 AM

Its not that hard.
If the ball joints come apart with out any major problems, you'll be fine. Get a hub puller.

Don't use heat on the gland nut!
Soak it in some PB Blaster and put the whole assembly in a vice. Then get it with a big ass pipe wrench and as much leverage as you can.

J.

10-10-2006, 02:18 PM	#1
Kinger Member E30: 85 325e Location: Calgary, AB Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 37	How hard is it to replace the front struts on an ix? Im getting some ridiculous quotes on replacing the front strut inserts so im wondering how hard it would be to do myself. What kinda time would you estimate this would require? What special tools would i need?

10-10-2006, 02:23 PM	#2
B-e30_e46 Senior Member E30: '89 325iX . . . . . . . . E46: '00 323Ci Location: Montville, NJ Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 510	I just did my front springs/struts, regreased & rebooted the half-shafts and did the front wheel bearings and brakes (pads & rotors). I've never done anything like that ever before, only more routine maintenance like brake jobs, fluid changes, etc. I am fortunate enough to have friends with enough know-how & tools to point me in the right direction and assist from time to time. But for me it was challenging and time consuming. If you are more mechanically experienced it would be easier. Here are some DIYs which should help: http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...Front%20Shock1 http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...Front%20Shock2 http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhi...ontrol%20Arms1 good luck! btw what kind of quotes were you getting, so I know how much I saved in labor costs? __________________ B's profile/mods

10-11-2006, 09:06 AM	#4
B-e30_e46 Senior Member E30: '89 325iX . . . . . . . . E46: '00 323Ci Location: Montville, NJ Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 510	tough for me to say for just the front strut inserts as I also did: front springs front wheel bearings rebooted & regreased half-shafts front rotors front pads rear shocks rear springs rear rotors rear pads front & rear diff gear oil changes transmission & transfer case fluid changes So it took me a while, especially with my lack of mechanic skills (although this project improved them greatly) __________________ B's profile/mods

10-11-2006, 12:31 PM	#5
Jase007 Senior Member E30: 1990 325iX, 1989 325iX Location: Falls Church, VA Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 364	Here is a writeup I did with pics back on 3/2004: Pelican - iX strut replacement Part 1 Pelican - IX strut replacement Part 2 Good luck. Jason __________________ Jason 1990 325iX 5M ~ 2000 528iT 5M JScott Racing

11-08-2006, 08:44 PM	#6
Klaus Noob [Needs 25 to Sell] E30: '89 325ix Location: Rolla, Missouri Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 13	It took me about 3 hours a side, getting the strut tube nut off was the worst for me. Heat it up, let it cool, heat some more and use some huge channel locks. Good luck. __________________ '89 ix 5 spd coupe, Bilsteins, H&R's '86 es Lives on whenever it can donate parts.. An assortment of rusted fords in a clearing in the woods...

10-10-2006, 09:08 PM	#3
Kinger Member E30: 85 325e Location: Calgary, AB Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 37	Thankyou thats exactly what i needed. One place quoted me about $850 parts and labor. About how long did the job take you?

11-14-2006, 03:37 AM	#7
JiXer Senior Member E30: 1988 325iX Rally, 1989 325iX, 1991 318iS Location: North San Diego Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,105	Its not that hard. If the ball joints come apart with out any major problems, you'll be fine. Get a hub puller. Don't use heat on the gland nut! Soak it in some PB Blaster and put the whole assembly in a vice. Then get it with a big ass pipe wrench and as much leverage as you can. J. __________________ That's me kickin up all that dirt. http://www.bigfishmotorsports.com

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