Will this spring compressor work on our cars?

[303e36]

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone has used and/or knows if this strut spring compressor will work on the front strut assembly or our e36s.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...2&showTitle=no

I can borrow it from AdvanceAuto
If not, I'll need to order the OEM dust collar (31331110196) and washer (31336776760) before I can install my coilovers, which puts me back a week.

Thanks!

[bluptgm3]

I have used these on several E36 struts. Non-sports models can be difficult due to length of softer springs. Proper placement and patients are required.
These do work.

I would not install struts or CO without bump stops and dust shields. Also the strut mount needs a dust shield p/n 31331110196 and I would use the M3 reinforcing washer p/n 3133227342.

Also use a new body gasket p/n 31331094288.
Use a Front Strut Tower Reinforcement plate p/n 31312489795. These were added to the 1996+M3 production.

I suggest the use of E46 M3 Coupe/Convertible Rear Shock Mounts p/n 33526779670, body gasket p/n 33526772864, and Z3 RSM Reinforcements p/n 51718413359.

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[303e36]

Ok thanks man!

Can I reuse the Dust Collar (31331110196)? That and the washer are the reason I need the spring compressor, so I can get the old ones off.

I have the e46 rear mount and reinforcements, as well as the front reinforcement plates, so I'm good there. I also have the gaskets for front and back.
The front coilovers have a bump stop and dust jacket on them already, and the rears will reuse the OEM jackets and bump stops (both are in good shape).

I didn't order any wheel spacers though. I hope I don't need them. If I do, can I still move the car in the driveway, or should I not move it at all until I have the spacers installed?

[Eric93se]

Usually you can re-use the washer and dust collar, but you may find that they are rusty. If you find that they are rusty you can clean them with sandpaper and put a coat of marine grease.

If you have a impact gun you don't need a spring compressor to take the old assembly apart. Simply lay the strut on the floor, put your foot on the spring, impact off the nut and watch the strut pop off 1-2 feet.

[bluptgm3]

With coil overs a 5mm well spacer is usually required depending in wheel offset and width and tire you may need more. With a 5mm spacer you will probably need another device to center hub centric wheels such as these Hub Extenders from Turner - https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...iABEgLCyPD_BwE


The E36 M3 uses a more significant washer under the dust shield.
Go to ECS Tuning and insert the part number I provided earlier.

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[doclees]

Thanks for the post. Timing is perfect. I just bought and will return a Harbor Freight clam shell one and it won't compress enough. First tried my older matched pair from Harbor Freight that worked fine for my SHO but not for the BMW. I'll give those a try tomorrow. Getting frustrated.

[doclees]

So as Murphy's rule goes the AA spring compressor worked for removal but not installation because Koni decided to shorten the piston that necessary 1 inch. Gave up and brought the strut to Monroe for assembly.

[bluptgm3]

You didn’t hear it from me but I have used a length of rope to compress springs the addition 1” or two.


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[doclees]

Yeah I've seen this done but not like this. May give it a shot on the second strut.
https://youtu.be/1fyU96hiI4E

[doclees]

OK what am I missing here. Bentley and Hayes both say I should just be able to slip the completed strut back in but it is a good 1+ inch too long to get past the wishbone. My stabilizer link connects to the wishbone and not the strut. Do I need to disconnect this to drop the wishbone lower?

[bluptgm3]

The entire front end of car in the air on jack stands? If not you are most likely fighting the sway bar, disconnect the sway bar end link.


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[doclees]

Thanks yes only the side in question up on jack. I will give it a try and put both up on jack stands. I don't think the manuals say it is necessary. Drives me nuts when they give you 99% of the instructions.

[doclees]

Yup that was it. I'm an idiot. Still wasn't perfectly smooth. The strut mount bolts weren't an easy fit.

[bluptgm3]

Yes, they can be difficult. I have a largish tapered drift to align the pinch bolt. Then the other two generally drop right in. Torque to 74 ft-lbs?


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[doclees]

No it was the top 3 from the bearing strut mount. It might have been due to manufacturing being a fraction off but I could only get 2 of the 3 to pass through. The 3rd would just make one thread through. Had to tighten the 2 a bit and then but a screwdriver tip to the lip of the 3rd and give it a couple of wacks. All in all it was an exhausting learning experience from start to finish. I think I will invest the $80 and get a proper spring compressor. I now have a pinch type tie rod/ball joint remover/installer that worked great. Wish I knew about these decades ago instead of the pickle forks.

[bluptgm3]

If you reused your Strut Mount/Bearing Plate/Guide Support, you may find the the three studs have spayed open. This is because the Strut Tower interface is not flat, causing the bolts/Guide Support to bend slightly. Bend the ears back and the Guide Support bolts should glide right into place.

This happens even with the 1996+M3 Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates, to a lessor extent.

Did you install or re-install the Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates, p/n 31312489795‬?

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[doclees]

No I got new mounts. URO cheap brand. No extra guide support. Car never driven in a manner to warrant the extra support although that may change in the future. The difference in fit was just the width of the threads on one side.

[bluptgm3]

Historically, URO brand parts fail pretty quickly.
I’m not suggesting an extra Guide Support/Strut Mount but I am suggesting the addition of the Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates.


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[JDStrickland]

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...2&showTitle=no


I used it to put Koni Yellow struts with H&R Sport springs into my '94 vert.

[doclees]

Those springs are shorter than stock. I tried those spring compressors with no luck. I'll get one of these to keep on hand.
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