31 12 080 Removing and installing/replacing both tension struts

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 2 230 . See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheels .
Remove front underbody protection .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on both sides.
If necessary, remove wheel suspension cover.
Remove stabilizer links from stabilizer .
Remove control arm from swivel bearing .

Release nut (1) and remove bolt (3).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position . See 32 00... MOVING VEHICLE INTO NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ . See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Slacken nut (2).

Installation:

Fig 1: Release nut (1) and remove bolt (3)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 19AZ . See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

Release nut and expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 .

Lower swivel bearing approx. 2.5 cm and remove tension strut.

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 2 230, align by means of gap to web on back of spring strut and raise as far as it will go.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.