Community Stories

Stuck Quick Release Springbar

JwRosenthal
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A decade ago I brought my M5 into my mechanic for suspension work. The front right thrust arm assembly was totally frozen from rust. My mechanic Don is a finesse kind of guy. He used penetrating oil, torch, multiple tools and tricks to try to get it free. Finally he called in Bruce who was his brute force mechanic. Bruce had at it with a copper mallet with full body blows (I stood there screaming NOOOOO in my head). He got it free- and no damage whatsoever to the car. Sometimes it takes the nuclear option.
 
Dan S
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I'm guessing someone rammed a spring-bar in there that was too long for the lug spacing. Fortunately, that looks like a cheap faux leather strap, so no harm done.
 
redpcar
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Check that the lug widths are identical. My bet is one side is slightly more narrow. It's always easier to squeeze pins in than get them out.
Edited:
 
Larry S
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
A decade ago I brought my M5 into my mechanic for suspension work. The front right thrust arm assembly was totally frozen from rust. My mechanic Don is a finesse kind of guy. He used penetrating oil, torch, multiple tools and tricks to try to get it free. Finally he called in Bruce who was his brute force mechanic. Bruce had at it with a copper mallet with full body blows (I stood there screaming NOOOOO in my head). He got it free- and no damage whatsoever to the car. Sometimes it takes the nuclear option.
My dead blow hammer is my friend.
 
ikanbilisclub
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
A decade ago I brought my M5 into my mechanic for suspension work. The front right thrust arm assembly was totally frozen from rust. My mechanic Don is a finesse kind of guy. He used penetrating oil, torch, multiple tools and tricks to try to get it free. Finally he called in Bruce who was his brute force mechanic. Bruce had at it with a copper mallet with full body blows (I stood there screaming NOOOOO in my head). He got it free- and no damage whatsoever to the car. Sometimes it takes the nuclear option.

😲 yes I was a tad worried about the nuclear option and was truly harbouring visions of one lug flying off the case of this tricompax and then crying myself to sleep. I hope your M5 is still up and running?
 
ikanbilisclub
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redpcar redpcar
Check that the lug widths are identical. My bet is one side is slightly more narrow. It's always easier to squeeze pins in than get them out.

On closer inspection, you and @Dan S are both right! Taking into account the shortening of the bent spring bar the PITA culprit does look longer.

Dan S Dan S
I'm guessing someone rammed a spring-bar in there that was too long for the lug spacing. Fortunately, that looks like a cheap faux leather strap, so no harm done.

Hahaha it was actually a Bulang taupe strap from the previous owner
 
JwRosenthal
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ikanbilisclub ikanbilisclub
😲 yes I was a tad worried about the nuclear option and was truly harbouring visions of one lug flying off the case of this tricompax and then crying myself to sleep. I hope your M5 is still up and running?
Oh yes- 28 years old and still going strong
 
JwRosenthal
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ikanbilisclub ikanbilisclub
Sadly in my line of work I only have a tendon hammer.
Oh, you guys have heavy tools too. When I had my spinal fusion, they used what look like drywall screws on my X-ray and I can swear I saw a red Milwaukee drill in that OR
 
Dan S
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ikanbilisclub ikanbilisclub
Hahaha it was actually a Bulang taupe strap from the previous owner

Are you sure? It looks like cheap vinyl and foam.
 
ikanbilisclub
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Oh, you guys have heavy tools too. When I had my spinal fusion, they used what look like drywall screws on my X-ray and I can swear I saw a red Milwaukee drill in that OR

Must have been the gas or they were just preparing for reno works in the OR 😗
 
Pazzo
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That's one lesson not to ever use quick release spring bars.
I hate those things and when I see a slot for that tiny lever cut in the strap, I hate them even more.

Very glad you solved the problem.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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ikanbilisclub ikanbilisclub
Haha i assume it's authentic by the back branding
I think part of the problem was someone shoved quick release spring bars into a strap not intended for them (they aren’t notched).
 
Evitzee
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Quick release springbars are fine as long as the right size are installed on the strap. Have never had an issue with them. But it's like any springbar, if you choose one that is a bit too long and they are forced into the lugs you will have a devil of a time getting it out because you can't depress it enough to retract the pin. Use common sense and all will be ok.
 
Larry S
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Evitzee Evitzee
Quick release springbars are fine as long as the right size are installed on the strap. Have never had an issue with them. But it's like any springbar, if you choose one that is a bit too long and they are forced into the lugs you will have a devil of a time getting it out because you can't depress it enough to retract the pin. Use common sense and all will be ok.
I bought some straps with quick release pins. They were shit, and I almost lost two watches. Good thing I have cat like reflexes 😁. I do have a fine CF strap with quick release that works fine. Overall, don’t trust em.
 
marco
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QR spring bars are exactly that.
If you want to loose a watch they are the way to go. Usually the pins are too narrow in diameter for the lug holes.

Beware , they are not worth the convenience.
Edited:
 
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