Removing bilstein strut insert
 

Any tricks to removing the Bilstein insert? I drove out the pin and the insert is supposed to pull right out...well it wont come out, there must be something holding it up. Any tricks??

I took mine off just like that, but if needed, once the cap is removed and the pin is out. You can take apunch and drive the strut up and out. Use a drift punch and drive it up the ball joint hole.

Thanks Merlin, I guess I have to remove the ball joint in that case. Is there a way without taking apart the ball joint?
TIA

i removed my whole strut from the car, and could not remove the insert, i had to use a punch on the ball joint end, could taps and came right out

I had the same problem with one side on mine, I used a peice of black pvc plumbing pipe (I think 11/2) slide it over the insert so it rests on the strut housing, cut it so it just comes to the top of the threads on the insert and use the washer and nut to draw the insert up, it only took a couple of turns and it popped right out. No need to take anything apart.

We ended up using a large crescent wrench below top nut and did a couple of taps with a hammer. Sort of a slide hammer if you will. it worked like a charm and I did the other strut insert in about 15" flat.

Nice!