Lower strut mount
 

Looking to change the struts on my E60Xi and I'm having some difficulty with the lower mount on the front struts. I've never owned a car with this mounting style before and they DO NOT want to move at all.

Any tips or tricks to getting these broken free?

The car is in very good shape but the pinch bolt was pretty rusty on the shank and threads. I've been soaking the whole area in penetrant since Saturday and going to go at it again tonight. TIA

For anyone wondering a 1/4" extension fits and spreads the clamp perfectly. Got the fronts done tonight.

Does't fit on all. I could not find my spreader socket and tried 1/4 socket on e90 xdrive and it didn't fit.

my spreader socket wouldn't spread the spindle far enough once, so i just smashed a large prybar in there until the strut came loose. Big screwdriver would work too. Use a mallet and then wiggle it out when done.

+1

There's no secret trick, unfortunately - just got to use the BFSD (Big F***ing Screw Driver!), prybar, etc.

Until you do I can bey frustrating, was for me first time I did struts.