31 12 080 Removing And Installing/Replacing Both Tension Struts

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 230

NOTE: On M models replace trailing links in pairs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheels
Remove front assembly underside protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on both sides.
If necessary, remove wheel suspension cover.
Remove stabilizer links from stabilizer .
Remove control arm from swivel bearing .

Release nut (1) and remove bolt (3).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position.

Tighten to specified torque. See 31 12 1AZ in FRONT AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Slacken nut (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Self-Locking Nut And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten to specified torque. See 31 12 19AZ in FRONT AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

Release nut and expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Lower swivel bearing approx. 2.5 cm and remove tension strut.

Installation:

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to web on back of spring strut and raise as far as it will go. Tightening torque, see 31 31 3AZ in FRONT AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.