31 33 001 Replacing Front Left Or Right Spring Strut Support Bearing (Standard Suspension)

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Special tools required:

31 2 200
31 3 341
31 3 352

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the coil springs.

Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
Observe manufacturer's instructions.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION) or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .

Release nut and remove holder for brake hose, pulse generator and if necessary brake pad sensor.

Remove screw towards front.

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 200 .

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

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 2 200 , align by means of gap to web on back of spring strut and push together as far as it will go.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ . See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 200)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 with guide (1) in vice.

Fit special tool 31 3 352 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (2) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 352 , correct if necessary.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 352) And (31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 352 when tensioned!
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Clean coil spring to remove all coarse dirt and mount on special tools 31 3 352 .

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 352) And (31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Remove joint seat and support bearing.

Fig 4: Releasing Joint Seat Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembly:

If necessary, twist out centering pin (1).

NOTE: If a support bearing (2) was fitted without centering pin (1), the centering pin (1) of the new support bearing (2) must be twisted out.

Fig 5: Identifying Support Bearing And Centering Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align spring strut by way of lower spring pad to end of coil spring.

Attach support bearing and joint seat to piston rod.

Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

NOTE: Make sure that lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate.

Fig 6: Releasing Joint Seat Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tighten down nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ . See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin. See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE .