Special tools required:

• 31 2 240
• 31 2 242
• 31 2 246
• 33 4 200
• 33 4 205

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front wheel. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL

Slacken nut (1), grip with Allen key if necessary.

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 6AZ. See 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS

Unfasten screws (2).

Remove guide joint with compression strut from opening in swivel bearing.

Installation: 

Recondition thread in swivel bearing.

Keep guide joint and opening in swivel bearing clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace micro-encapsulated screws.

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ. See 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS

Guide joint tightly seated in swivel bearing: 

Fig 1: Identifying Slacken Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut and screw special tool 33 4 205 onto guide joint. See 33 4 200 TOOL KIT / STRIKER FIXTURE

Drive guide joint out of swivel bearing with special tool 33 4 200. See 33 4 200 TOOL KIT / STRIKER FIXTURE

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, screw nut (1) onto guide joint by a few turns.

If necessary, replace lower section 31 2 242 with lower section 31 2 246. See 31 2 240 PULLER

Press guide joint with special tool 31 2 240 out of compression strut. See 31 2 240 PULLER

Unscrew nut (1) and remove guide joint.

Installation: 

Keep journal on guide joint and bushing in compression strut clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.