BMW 1989-1995 525i Service Manual page 17

FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELF OWNER
010-9
Bolt Diameter and Wrench Size
• M5 8mm
·M6 10mm
• M8 12mm or 13mm
• M10 17mm
• M12 19mm
• M14 22mm
Spark Plug Sockel A special socket for spark plugs is the
correct size. is deep enough to accommodate a spark plug's
length, and includes a rubber insert to both protect the spark
plug from damage and grip it for easier remova l. On all engines
except M50 engines. use a
13/
16
in. socket. On the multi-valve
M50 engine. use a
5/
B
in. socket. See Fig. 9.
B003FNG
B003FNG
Fig. 9. Spark plug socket.
A needlenose plier is used for gripping small and poorly ac-
cessible objects. and is useful for wiring and other electrical
work . A locking plier such as the Vise-Grip® is useful because
of its tight grip.
Snap-ring and circlip pliers with special tipped jaws are used
to remove and install snap-rings or circlips. A Channel-lock" or
wate r pump plier has adjustable jaws that can be quickly
changed to match the size of the object being held to give great-
er leverage.
An adjustable wrench can be a useful add ition to a small tool
kit. See Fig. 11 . It can substitute in a pinch . if two wrenches of
the same size are needed to remove a nut and bolt. Use extra
care with adjustable wrenches. as they tend to loosen , slip. and
damage fasteners.
BOOSf:NG
BOOBFNG
Fig .
11.
Adjustable wrench.
Compared to a wrench of the correct size. an adjustable
wrench is always second best. They should only be used when
the correct size wrench is not available. Choose one of average
size range . about 6 to 8 inches in leng1h.
Pliers. A few of the many types of pliers are shown in Fig. 10.
Most are used for holding irregular objects. bending, or crimp-
ing. Some have special applications.
SOO6FNG
Jack Stands
Strong jack stands are extremely important for any work that
is done under the car. Jacks are designed only for short term
use and are not solid enough to support the car for a long peri-
od. A jack should never be used alone to support the car while
working underneath.
Use only jack stands that are designed for the purpose.
Blocks of wood . concrete. bricks. etc. are not safe or suitable
substitutes.
Jack stands are available in several styles. A typical jack
stand is shown
in
Fig. 12. The best ones are made of heavy ma-
terial for strengt h. have a wide base for stability. and are
equipped to positively lock in their raised positions. Get the best
ones available .
BOO6.FNG
Fig . 10. Pliers. From left. snap-ring. neectenose. adjustable-joint
(Channel-lock
!» .
slip-joint. and locking
(Vise-Grip~) .
TOOLS