37 12 155 Removing and Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Air Spring

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.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Drain the air spring system before carrying out any work on the air supply unit, air pipes and air springs! Danger of injury if this instruction is not complied with!
Risk of damage!
Extreme cleanliness must be ensured in the connection area of the pipes during removal and installation. Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air spring system.

NOTE: Read and comply with notes on air spring system. See 37 00 ... Notes on Air Spring System
In a warranty case, you must always provide a fault memory printout with the defective part, even where there is no fault memory entry.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Deactivate and empty air spring system. See 37 00 100 Draining/filling Air Spring System
Remove rear wheel. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL

Removal:

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to remove the lower section of the air spring (1).

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Fig 1: Identifying Lower Section Of Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press air spring (1) upwards and turn through A = 30° in counterclockwise direction.

IMPORTANT: Do not kink, twist or crush pipe.

Press air spring (1) together, remove sideways and set down on guide arm.

Fig 2: Identifying Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release banjo bolt (1).

Seal pipe (2) and connection of air spring with adhesive tape.

NOTE: Banjo bolt (1) remains on pipe (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Banjo Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: It is not permitted to cut open the protective gaiter to feed through the pipe (with banjo bolt)!

Remove protective gaiter (1) from air spring.

Unclip pipe (2) from groove of air spring upper section and remove air spring.

Fig 4: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If reusing: check protective gaiter (1) for damage.

NOTE: Protective gaiter (1) may be reinstalled in spite of expanded opening (for pipe with banjo nut).

If protective gaiter is damaged: pull pipe (2) with banjo bolt through opening in protective gaiter (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Check air spring for damage, replace if necessary.

Check pipe for damage, replace if necessary.

NOTE: Observe notes on fitting a new pipe. See 37 13 ... Notes on Fitting A New Pipe Or A Screw Connection

When replacing air spring:

IMPORTANT: Replace protective gaiter only if damaged.
It is not permitted to cut open the protective gaiter to feed through the pipe (with banjo bolt)!

Moisten protective gaiter (1) at pipe opening with water/soapy solution.

Insert pipe (2) with banjo bolt through opening in protective gaiter (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Replacement only: Release and dispose of banjo bolt on air spring connection.

Check banjo bolt (1) for dirt, clean if necessary. Then carefully screw in by hand to avoid damaging the plastic thread and with it the air spring.

Tightening torque, see 37 12 1AZ in 37 12 CONTROL AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, REAR

Clip pipe (2) into groove of air spring upper section.

Fig 7: Identifying Banjo Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align protective gaiter (1) by way of opening for pipe (2) to upper section of air spring and install.

Fig 8: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not kink, twist or crush pipe.

Insert air spring (1) into locator or frame side member and turn clockwise as far as it will go.

Check air spring (1) for correct installation in locator or frame side member; correct if necessary.

Fig 9: Identifying Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to install the lower section of the air spring (1).

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

NOTE: In so doing, make sure that orientation lug is correctly aligned to groove in wheel carrier.

Fig 10: Identifying Air Spring Lower Section

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check air spring for uniform formation of rolling lobe (1).

If necessary, slide rolling lobe (1) by hand downwards and shape on lower section of air spring (2).

Fig 11: Identifying Rolling Lobe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system. See 37 00 100 Draining/filling Air Spring System