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Thread: DIY BMW tool thread

  1. #1
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    Smile DIY BMW tool thread

    This will probably be better in this sub-forum:

    There are lots of tools that BMW specially specs out for removal, or installation purposes. Most of these tools are really expensive, and some are even hard to get a hold of... I know a lot of people on here are college students (myself included) and don't have the financial income to buy some of these expensive tools, or some people are just simply too cheap.....

    First off, if anyone doesn't have a Bentley manual yet, and/or a Haynes manual (the Haynes has been more valuable to me.... but to each his own) i recommend you stop what your doing, and go but one, or better yet both!

    Anyway, here is my list so far of some tools that i have made:





    1)Rtab removal with nothing more than a flat head screw driver and a nice 5lb metal hammer.


    2)Upper timing chain locking tool:
    Paper clip.


    3)Flywheel locking tool:


    I followed the Haynes manual, they listed this in the book (you have the book in front of you right now right??...)


    On the Haynes manual they list the flywheel tools as nothing more than a stud which measures 8mm on the tip for 40mm, and then the rest which rests on the outside of the engine exposed, as 10mm, and just is used so there is a place to pull the pin. I used a 1/4" extension, it seemed to work just fine on the M52 i have up on the stand, and worked perfectly so far for my HG install on the S52!








    4)Cylinder Head bolt removal:


    As far as the head bolt removing... Some people were stuck on getting some 12-point sockets and just cutting them down until they fit, im not a huge fan on destroying perfectly good tools..... So a quick trip to Harbor Freight found me this:





    The height wont be an issue as there is plenty of clearance when i measured the distance between the cams/bolts/socket.

    so this works out perfectly:



    The kit only cost me $5 at harbor freight.






    5)For the Cam locking tool:


    i followed this from the Haynes manual (again, go buy one!! will be a life savor!)







    out of sheet metal:














    6)Fan clutch removal:


    The next tool i made, i used these dimensions off the original. Its for the BMW Fan clutch removal:

    Just use some 1/8" steel, or something similar.











    The distance between the two holes is 32mm (forgot that picture).


    Hope this helps a few people out.


    Last edited by Hova; 01-16-2010 at 01:31 PM.
    "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
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    DIY BMW Tools. Charlie For President

  2. #2
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    Very nice!!! I made my own cam lock tool from those dismensions too.
    This is my signature....

  3. #3
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    cant get much clearer than that.
    nicely done.!!!
    thanks

  4. #4
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    Nice info on the cam lock dimensions!

    I made a fan tool (wish I had pics), from round bar stock with two nuts welded to it. It bends a bit but has worked twice so far.

  5. #5
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    Crank Pulley Securing Tool:



    All you need is a piece of scrap angle iron. Drill two holes and grind out a notch in the middle to clear the crank bolt. Just cut it long enough to reach the floor (at least 3 ft or so). Picture is shown for clarity, I would only torque this with the engine mounted in the car, unless you have a way to support the front of the engine to keep it from tipping over.

  6. #6
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    I laser cut some m60/70 cam locking tools at school, if anyone wants the dxf let me know.
    The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair.Douglas Adams, Mostly Harmless

  7. #7
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    Great thread!

    When I changed my RTABs I used a 3/8" drill bit, drilled a hole and then used a muffler cutter attachment for my .401 air hammer.
    -Dan D
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  8. #8
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    Haha i have some of the same tools guys! That crank pulley one works pretty well.

    Valve spring compressor:
    -Chris

  9. #9
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    Lame flywheel holder.


    Didn't make this but it's a cam removal tool.


    Made one like this but not this. Spring compressor C Clamp


    The Poi's homemade bead roller:
    Last edited by milotrain; 12-27-2010 at 06:22 PM.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by milotrain View Post
    homemade bead roller:
    love this!

  11. #11
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    i love homemade tools. didnt know the haynes had the demensions of some of those thats cool

  12. #12
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    The cam lock tool should be a lot thicker than that flimsy piece of sheet metal you got there.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by mazur View Post
    The cam lock tool should be a lot thicker than that flimsy piece of sheet metal you got there.
    Haynes manuals are rarely wrong.

    Good point on the STRUCTURE though.
    Last edited by milKt; 12-31-2010 at 06:05 PM.

  14. #14
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    Bearing separator that you could make pretty easily.

    http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...Puller_Review/

  15. #15
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    One man brake bleeder:

    gas cap, air compressor quick connect stud with nut, large washer, rubber washer



    Tool to check Vanos instal:

    old vanos electrical connector, air compressor quick connect stud, rubber hose, 2 hose clamps

    For Sale- Infinity Basslink 2

  16. #16
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    love this thread if only i had of read this 2 days ago before purchasing all the tools
    for the rebuild

  17. #17
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    Here's my simple vacuum/boost leak tester. The air fitting is connected to the brass nut on the other side with a pipe thread coupler + Teflon tape; zero leaks.




  18. #18
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    Pilot bearing removal tool: turn a rod on a lathe that fits just inside the pilot bearing. Pack grease inside the pilot bearing and hammer the rod in there. The pressure hydraulically presses the pilot bearing out a bit. As it moves out & more space opens up inside pack more grease in, put the rod back in, hit it with a hammer down to the crankshaft again to continue pushing it out.

    You can also find a socket that fits right inside the pilot bearing and wrap it with duct tape, but there's a lot higher chances you will be a big spurt of grease in your eye!

  19. #19
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    This thread looks like a complete failure to me, as far as im concerned i think you need to buy your own tools to do the job, or go borrow someones that TRUST you........ then u can keep them

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by scooter3k View Post
    Pilot bearing removal tool: turn a rod on a lathe that fits just inside the pilot bearing. Pack grease inside the pilot bearing and hammer the rod in there. The pressure hydraulically presses the pilot bearing out a bit. As it moves out & more space opens up inside pack more grease in, put the rod back in, hit it with a hammer down to the crankshaft again to continue pushing it out.

    You can also find a socket that fits right inside the pilot bearing and wrap it with duct tape, but there's a lot higher chances you will be a big spurt of grease in your eye!
    You can also pack it with bread soaked in water, or toilet paper soaked in water, and drive an extension or something similar in. Same principle of hydraulics though.

    Quote Originally Posted by nooneknowsme View Post
    This thread looks like a complete failure to me, as far as im concerned i think you need to buy your own tools to do the job, or go borrow someones that TRUST you........ then u can keep them
    Obviously this thread is not for you, but have fun spending money when you can do something on your own.

    Go ahead and bite. Plenty for everyone.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by nooneknowsme View Post
    This thread looks like a complete failure to me, as far as im concerned i think you need to buy your own tools to do the job, or go borrow someones that TRUST you........ then u can keep them
    Lol wait till i unveil my next one!!!
    -Chris

  22. #22
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    It took me all day trying to get a pilot bearing out by packing it with wet paper...

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by So Live View Post
    Lol wait till i unveil my next one!!!
    my fave of the whole thread. post it up san.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Orac View Post
    It took me all day trying to get a pilot bearing out by packing it with wet paper...
    Same here. Then I bought this for $17 and it worked a treat.
    http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-MTN90.../dp/B000X282DM

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by a32guy View Post
    my fave of the whole thread. post it up san.
    Few more tweaks kid.
    -Chris

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