31 12 080 Removing And Installing/Replacing Both Tension Struts

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove both front wheels  . See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
• Remove front underbody protection  . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
• Release WHEEL ARCH COVER (E82) or WHEEL ARCH COVER (E88) on front left and right bottom and press to one side (only E82/E88/E92/E93).

Remove pedestrian protection (only E82/E88/E92/E93 from 03/2012): Slacken screw (1) on front pedestrian protection. Release screws (2) from deformation element and adapter. Tightening torque 51 11 7AZ/ 8AZ

Fig 1: Removing Pedestrian Protection

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Press deformation element (1) towards the bottom and remove adapter (2) towards the top.

Fig 2: Press Deformation Element Toward Bottom

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Release nut (1); if necessary, grip at Torx socket (T40).

Installation: 

Keep tension strut to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. Refer to 31 12 2AZ in 31 12 2AZ CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 3: Identifying Nut

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Release bolt (1) and remove tension strut.

Raise locking nut (2) in area of bore and detach from front axle carrier.

Installation: 

Replace locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position  . See 32 00... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque. Refer to 31 12 1AZ in 31 12 1AZ CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 4: Identifying Tension Strut Bolt And Nut

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