31 31 031 Replacing front left or right spring strut shock absorber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 210
31 3 340
31 3 341
31 3 354
31 3 355 . See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

WARNING: Prior to each use of the special tool 31 3 340, it is essential to read the associated Owner's Handbook fully!
All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed!
Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

IMPORTANT:

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 (down to the spindle) free from grease.
Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

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

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355, correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 354), (31 3 355) And (31 3 341)

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Clean coil spring to remove coarse contamination and take up with special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355 .

Twist spring strut until end of coil spring (1) is flush with end of special tool 31 3 355 .

WARNING: Special tool 31 3 354 must rest correctly on upper spring plate!
Lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355 !

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 354) And (31 3 355)

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Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Remove support bearing, dust sleeve and shim.

Remove shock absorber with auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210)

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If necessary, remove auxiliary damper (1) with gaiter (2) and spring pad (3) from shock absorber.

Fig 4: Identifying Auxiliary Damper With Gaiter And Spring Pad

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Relieve tension on coil spring.

Remove coil spring with spring plate from special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355 .

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 354) And (31 3 355)

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Assembly:

Check spring pad (1) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach spring plate (2) with spring pad (1) to coil spring.

NOTE: End of coil spring must be positively aligned to spring pad (1).

Fig 6: Attach Spring Plate (2) With Spring Pad (1) To Coil Spring

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Accommodate coil spring and spring plate with special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 .

Twist coil spring until lower end of coil spring (1) is flush with end (2) of special tool 31 3 355 .

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 355) And (31 3 354)

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WARNING: Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
Special tool 31 3 354 must rest correctly on upper spring plate!
Lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355 !

Tension coil spring.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 355) And (31 3 354)

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

Fig 9: Identifying Auxiliary Damper With Gaiter And Spring Pad

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Insert shock absorber in tensioned coil spring.

Attach shim and dust protection sleeve to piston rod.

Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach support bearing to piston rod.

Replace nut and tighten down with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

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

Fit cover cap.

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210)

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IMPORTANT: Spring pad (1) must rest positively on spring plate (2)!
Upper end of coil spring must rest on stop of spring pad (1)!

Fig 11: Locating Spring Pad And Spring Plate

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IMPORTANT: Align lower end of coil spring (1) as pictured to spring pad.
Relieve tension on coil spring.
Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

NOTE: End of coil spring (1) must not touch against shoulder of spring pad.

The recess (2) only serves to reinforce and correctly seat the lower spring pad and does not serve as a stop for the spring end.

Fig 12: Identifying End Of Coil Spring And Lower Spring Pad

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After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .