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31 12 138 Replacing rubber mounts on both tension struts

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Special tools required: 

See 31 2 260 PRESSURE SLEEVE TOOL

IMPORTANT: The rubber mounts on both tension struts must be replaced! Note that the rubber mounts may only be changed once.

Carry out check: 

There must always be a minimum amount of play in the guide joint.

  1. Check guide joint play
    NOTE: For this purpose, apply light pressure to the tension strut (in the area of the guide joint) in the horizontal and vertical directions.
  2. Check bolt connection (tension strut to guide joint) by tightening to 60 % of Tightening torque: 31 12 20AZ, see 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS and listening for cracking sound
    • Torque wrench cracking sound: Replace rubber mount
    • Bolt connection turns: Replace tension strut and guide joint, see 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .
Fig 1: Guide Joint
G04745162Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing rubber mount: 

Remove both tension struts, see 31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing left or right tension strut .

Using a press and special tools 31 2 261  and 31 2 264  , press rubber mount out of tension strut.

NOTE: Special tool 31 2 264  must be exactly flush with rubber mount bushing.
Fig 2: Removing Rubber Mount From Tension Strut
G04787585Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Keep rubber mount and bushing in tension strut clean and free from grease.

Align rubber mounts to each other using markings (K) and press in. The deviation must not exceed ± 3°.

Fig 3: Rubber Mounts Alignment Mark
G04787586Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Protrusion (A) = 12.5 ± 0.7 mm

Fig 4: Rubber Mount Protrusion
G04787587Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.