How to change front shock absorbers on BMW 3 E36 TUTORIAL | AUTODOC

[@nhhandyman]

Just completed four of these replacements (two E36 convertibles) There are several other videos showing the process using jacks and jack stands along with more 'backyard mechanic' level of tools. A spring compressor setup can usually be loaned by a local auto parts store or if you happen to have a Harbor Freight around you - their system is $28.00 and works great. A few comments on this video: It only takes a few seconds to disconnect the ABS wire to get it out of the way. Also, the hub should be supported by something besides the brake hose. Using this and several other videos made the process go smoothly.

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your valuable and detailed comment. It will be very informative for our subscribers to read. Please, follow our latest updates. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@dakotadillon6527]

Great stuff! I have watched this video 20 times in preparation for this project. I finally started it and the only question I had was where to put the paper gasket. In between body of car and top of strut so there isn't a metal to metal?

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, it is correct and the paper gasket is put between body of car and top of strut. Stay tuned with us! Best regards, Autodoc team!

[@nsnorway]

I managed to accomplish this, after years of barely doing anything more complex than changing my own oil. Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback! We make our videos based on recommendations we get from people who need them. We are glad to know this tutorial was useful to you. Stay home and stay tuned with us! Best regards, Autodoc team!

[@bobdrake7604]

ONE thing that no one mentions! You HAVE to have both front wheels off the ground to replace the strut! Dummy me tried to replace the strut on one side, it is about 1" too long, I spent a couple of hours trying to figure out how, but then reviewing several videos on this realized the wheel rotor assembly seemed lower that mine was. Then I noticed all were videoed using a professional lift, not like a shadetree mechanic like me, trying to do one side at a time. So I jacked up the other side, put a second stand under, and voila, no problem with aligning the strut with the holes and bolting it back together!

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback! It is our top priority to receive comments as positive as yours. Be sure to subscribe to our channel if you don`t want to miss out on more useful videos in the nearest future. Best regards, Autodoc!

[@tebohokhobotle9090]

Made the same mistake too brother, amateur mistake lol

[@tarquineous]

Your tutorials are excellent. One thing I don't see is anti-seize put on the threads. Is this to keep the video less complicated ?

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the feedback! You are absolutely right. This video is considered to be an informative one, and it shows the sequence of repairs, so some stages of the repairs might have been excluded. We are glad that our tutorial was helpful for you. Stay tuned and follow our latest updates. Best regards, Autodoc.Best regards, Autodoc.

[@videodima]

These videos are so helpful, thank you so much

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the feedback! We are happy that our video was helpful and informative for you. Stay tuned for more. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@tebohokhobotle9090]

With the correct tools, any job can be done. Nice video

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback! We are glad to know this tutorial was useful to you. Stay tuned for more! Best regards, Autodoc team!

[@kpmautomotive4143]

I wish there was more E36 videos

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback! Our videos consider our viewers' interests, so we will surely take into account your request. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@tarquineous]

Would be nice to see torque settings on the screen.

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the feedback! Your opinion and remarks are very important for us. We will take them into consideration for our next tutorial. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@trikael]

There were no torque specs in the video, just an air wrench and socket wrench. There are torque specs, but he didn't use them; e.g. the top nut on the strut shaft is 33 ft.lb. for the type of strut he used, and there's another strut shaft type that should be 48 ft. lb., there's no way he put that together to those specs...

[@winteralexandriamiller]

Love those wheels.

[@Whyylone]

Do you have to get an alignment afterwards ?

[@autodocuk]

After replacing the shock absorber, the car will take a level position, since only the shock absorber was replaced, the other elements of the shock absorber remained the same. AUTODOC

[@cabr0nf1b3r]

Don't forget to inspect spring pad and strut mount while disassembling and replace as needed.

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the valuable clarification, It will be very useful information for our viewers. Best Regards, Autodoc team.

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the valuable clarification, it will be very useful information for our viewers. Best Regards, Autodoc team.

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your comment! It is a valuable suggestion that will be very useful for our viewers. Best Regards, Autodoc Team.

[@DonBMW]

Great video. Just completed front struts on my E36 M3. If you are changing struts you should be prepared by purchasing or borrowing a few special tools. In particular, cordless impact driver (priceless), pry bar, Powerbuilt spring compressor (# 648627) - works great for E36 - impact sockets, torque wrench and red loctite 271.

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experience, this will be very useful information for us and our viewers. Please stay tuned with us for more news. Best regards, Autodoc team.

[@zacbull4408]

Hello just wondering how I would find torque numbers for the bolts?

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the feedback! All torque specs are indicated in the technical documentation on the vehicle maintenance, you can find them out at the official car dealer. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@trikael]

There were no torque specs, just an air wrench and socket wrench...(there actually are torque specs; he just didn't use them for the installation).

[@Mr_Bones.]

What an amazing and professional video. Thank you so much. Also, is that Putin’s little brother? 😂

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your feedback! We appreaciate your attention to the details, please stay tuned with our channel for more interesting new videos. Best regards, Autodoc!

[@Coops99]

Why is there 3 holes at the bottom of the shock mounts?

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for your comment. These are shock absorber mounting holes.

[@louisdebruyn4395]

Easier than falling out of a tree THANX

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the feedback! We are glad you find our video interesting and informative. Stay tuned. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@tranuc1859]

Good ok

[@RobertMorgan]

Hmm, ok.....The uh music, it stops at some point and narration takes over, yes? [Fast forwards 8 minutes, same soundtrack] Hmm....

[@autodocuk]

Thank you for the feedback! We are glad that our tutorial was helpful for you. The music can be turned off in the area below the video for your comfort.. Best regards, Autodoc.

[@SirSevy]

i prefer it the way you did it here. narration only if necessary

[@a807511]

Am I the only one that cringed when watching him use the "special" tool wrong? It's gonna smash his face some day. Gotta tighten all of them points with wing nuts up and hook the spring not the plate on it. You can die that way.

[@autodocuk]

Thanks for the valuable clarifications, we understand that mistakes were made during the replacement, we are working on them and will try to avoid them in new videos. AUTODOC