31 12 050 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Tension Strut

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 240
31 2 247

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheel
Remove front assembly underside protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
Remove steering gear cover at side bottom . See 51 71 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTTOM LEFT OR RIGHT STEERING GEAR COVER .

Release bolts (1).

Remove front wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation:

Make sure wheel arch cover is in correct position.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Wheel Arch Cover And Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Remove tension strut (3) from front axle carrier.

Installation:

Replace screw and nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Tension Strut, Nut And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not release tension strut from swivel bearing with impact tool.
Make sure special tool rests correctly on steel bushing of swivel bearing. The swivel bearing must be removed if the steel bushing moves.
Rubber gaiter of tension strut must not be damaged!
Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Slacken nut (1) two to three thread turns.

If necessary, replace lower section 31 2 242 with lower section 31 2 247 .

Press tension strut (2) with special tool 31 2 240 off swivel bearing.

Unscrew nut (1) and remove tension strut (2) from swivel bearing.

Installation:

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Tension Strut, Nut And Special Tool (31 2 247)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.