31 31 031 Replacing Front Left Or Right Spring Strut (Sport Suspension)

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

Special tools required:

31 2 200
31 3 341
31 3 381
31 3 382

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.

NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers. See 31 00 ... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut . See REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT SPRING STRUT .

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. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES -- ALPINA

Fig 1: Removing Holder For Brake Hose, Pulse Generator And Brake Pad Sensor

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Removing:

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

Fit special tools 31 3 381 and 31 3 382 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 3 381 and 31 3 382 , correct if necessary.

Fig 2: Identifying Guide, Locking Pin And Special Tool

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WARNING: During tensioning, upper coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 382!
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse contamination and take up with special tools 31 3 381 and 31 3 382.

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 381) And (31 3 382)

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Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Fig 4: Removing Joint Seat, Support Bearing And Upper Spring Plate With Spring Pad

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Remove joint seat, support bearing and upper spring plate with spring pad.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 382)

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Relieve tension on coil spring and remove from special tool 31 3 382.

Remove spring strut with thrust washer, auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad from special tool 31 3 381.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 381)

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Remove thrust washer, auxiliary damper (1) with gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3).

Assembly:

Check auxiliary damper (1), gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach lower spring pad to spring plate.

Attach auxiliary spring (1) with gaiter (2) and thrust washer to piston rod.

Fig 7: Identifying Auxiliary Damper, Gaiter And Lower Spring Pad

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Insert spring strut in opening of special tool 31 3 381.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 381)

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WARNING: During tensioning, upper coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 382!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Position coil spring on spring strut and turn until end of spring contacts stop of lower spring pad (arrow).

Tension coil spring.

Fig 9: Locating Coil Spring On Spring Strut

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Attach upper spring plate with spring pad to piston rod.

Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

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 upper coil of coil spring rests completely in recess of spring plate.

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

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES -- ALPINA

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fig 10: Removing Joint Seat, Support Bearing And Upper Spring Plate With Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .