Shims on Struts- one side only?

singletrackusa · Fri, Jun-05-2009, 02:55:26 PM

I'm in the process of replacing my OEM struts with new ones and came across something odd. The driver's side went just as the DIY's and manual showed, but when I pulled the two lower bolts that attach the passenger side strut to the spindle, two small shims fell out from behind the bolts. One was thicker than the other.

I'm assuming those are an alignment aid, but not really sure. Any thoughts? Should I put em back in or, just mention it to the shop when I get the alignment done?

Other than that the job went OK, but sure woulda been nicer with an impact wrench and an assistant to hold stuff for me.

**PurduinaM3** · Fri, Jun-05-2009, 02:57:34 PM

Sounds like they were put there to gain more negative camber on that side. Most likely a bandaid for another problem. Leave them out and get an alignment, and just take note to see if anything looks off on that side.

singletrackusa · Fri, Jun-05-2009, 03:04:13 PM

Thanks.

Can I take this car to any reputable shop for an alignment, or should it go to a BMW specialist? Should I just ask for the factory specs for DD duty?

ArBrnSnpr · Fri, Jun-05-2009, 04:45:48 PM

BAM!

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=995556

singletrackusa · Fri, Jun-05-2009, 08:30:22 PM

off to get some hardened washers...

Fri, Jun-05-2009, 02:55:26 PM	#1
singletrackusa Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 46 Reputation: 0	Shims on Struts- one side only? I'm in the process of replacing my OEM struts with new ones and came across something odd. The driver's side went just as the DIY's and manual showed, but when I pulled the two lower bolts that attach the passenger side strut to the spindle, two small shims fell out from behind the bolts. One was thicker than the other. I'm assuming those are an alignment aid, but not really sure. Any thoughts? Should I put em back in or, just mention it to the shop when I get the alignment done? Other than that the job went OK, but sure woulda been nicer with an impact wrench and an assistant to hold stuff for me.

Fri, Jun-05-2009, 03:04:13 PM	#3
singletrackusa Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 46 Reputation: 0	Alingnment question Thanks. Can I take this car to any reputable shop for an alignment, or should it go to a BMW specialist? Should I just ask for the factory specs for DD duty?

Fri, Jun-05-2009, 04:45:48 PM	#4
ArBrnSnpr Likes M118LR Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,572 Reputation: 0 Location: Portland	BAM! http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=995556 __________________

Fri, Jun-05-2009, 08:30:22 PM	#5
singletrackusa Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 46 Reputation: 0	Huge help, thanks. off to get some hardened washers...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Fri, Jun-05-2009, 02:57:34 PM	#2
PurduinaM3 Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 15,677 In the garage: '98 BMW M3 '05 AUDI A4 Reputation: 0 Location: White Plains, NY	Sounds like they were put there to gain more negative camber on that side. Most likely a bandaid for another problem. Leave them out and get an alignment, and just take note to see if anything looks off on that side.