Thanks for the impact wrench tip

[flyfishvt]

A few days ago someone suggested using an impact wrench to change the struts. I just got a compressor for some paint work I'll be doing so I search around and found a 1/2" one on sale at Lowes for $29.00. Its not real fancy but it made very short work of the rear shocks. Taking the wheels off is a breeze too. I'm sure it will be a big help when I do the struts tomorrow.

Thanks for the idea. My wrist and knuckles thank you too.

[dcwright]

It really does speed things up and reduces the fatigue factor. Almost makes it fun to work on your E36! Be careful using for any reassembly. Make certain you have any nuts or bolts you use it on at least 4-5 turns on before you use the wrench on it. You can really bugger up the threads otherwise.........

[drummerboi]

what kind of impact wrench??? any pics or site?? did you buy one that uses air or electric?

[flyfishvt]

+1 on starting any bolts and nuts first. It would only take a few seconds to mess up the threads on your lug bolts if you didn't start them first. There are just some things that need to be done by hand.

Here is the one I got.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_232160-47120-SGY-AIR104_0_?newSearch=true&catalogId=10051&productId=3142165&Ntt=232160&N=0&langId=-1&y=14&x=51&storeId=10151&Ntk=i_products&ddkey=http:SearchCatalogDisplay

[328 Power 04]

Yes an impact wrench is pretty much a must if you're going to change the struts. Taking off the upper strut mounts is such a pain with the shock shaft spinning with the bolt.

[Meatball546]

Remember to avoid tightening the shock shaft nut with the impact wrench. Tighten it down with proper tools to the correct torque. I've heard stories of shock rods being snapped because someone tried to tighten down the nut with an impact wrench. I guess they're really brittle...

[jmo69]

I've got a Coleman 1/2" and at the slowest speed @ 90 psi it will run the lug bolts in to about 70 lb. ft. of torque if I don't let it hammer. Just a slight nudge with the torque wrench takes them to 75 lbs. Works nice on spring compressors too.

[BradR127]

Remember to avoid tightening the shock shaft nut with the impact wrench. Tighten it down with proper tools to the correct torque. I've heard stories of shock rods being snapped because someone tried to tighten down the nut with an impact wrench. I guess they're really brittle...

I am one of those idiots who lived to tell the story about tightening the nut on the top of the strut with an impact wrench..... SNAP! Did that on my old Cooper S when I was putting on new springs. Yeah, stupid. :rolleyes

[mzmtg]

As tempting as it may be, do NOT use the impact wrench to compress the springs.

I learned that lesson the hard way. At least I got to keep my fingers...

[flyfishvt]

Did you try to compress too much on one side before you changed to the other side? If you keep switching sides a little bit at a time using an impact wrench is no different than a rachet. You also have to get the compressers as much on opposite sides as possible.

Caution and take your time are the key even with a wrench or a rachet

[mzmtg]

Did you try to compress too much on one side before you changed to the other side?

You also have to get the compressers as much on opposite sides as possible.



I was doing my best to compress them evenly, but the vibration made one of them slide around, trapping two of my fingers. It wasn't pretty.

[ducky328i]

pneumatic ftw.