Rear shock removal

[GBinUSA]

Getting a spanner to the top shock nut is virtually impossible on my 86 280i S2. The body chassis clearance is just too tight. Has anyone drilled a hole in the boot above the shock to gain access, just big enough to get at the nut, and then plugged it with a grommet?.

[wild rover]

You could drill a hole in the boot , I used a spanner with a swivel head.

[John042]

Yep, been there and done it. Initially not very successfully as there is a steel plate obstructing clear access to the top of the strut. Even after drilling a large enough hole in the boot. However,enlarging the hole you can, as previouly mentioned get a jointed socket or an angled spanner onto the strut top. Getting the nut to engage is fun too! Cheers J C.

[GBinUSA]

Thank you Gents.

[adam quantrill]

Sometimes the rubber packing supporting the body wears thin.

You can jack up under the boot fiberglass with a suitable 2x4 to spread the load, this might then give enough clearance to get a spanner in there.

Also it helps to have a narrow spanner as the locknuts are usually quite thin.