31 31 000 Removing and installing complete left or right spring strut shock absorber

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Special tools required:

31 2 230 SOCKET

IMPORTANT: If the centering pin is missing from the support bearing, the position of the studs to the wheel arch must be marked so that the original camber is approximately maintained.
Only one nut may ever be released for marking.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove brake caliper, see 34 11 519 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER and tie back
Remove stabilizer link from spring strut, see 31 35 005 Removing and installing/replacing push rod (stabilizer link) for left/right stabilizer .
Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing, see 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
When the swivel bearing is removed from the spring strut, the tripod (2) can be pulled out of the tulip (1) and fall into the rubber gaiter (3). In this event, it will be necessary to install a new output shaft because the tripod (2) can jam or a roller of the tripod (2) can slip off the molding. The roller would then be located in the gaiter (3) or bellows and result in rapid failure.

Fig 1: Tripod, Tulip And Gaiter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove line for pulse generator from spring strut.

If necessary, remove line for brake pad wear sensor from spring strut.

Support swivel bearing (1) with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

Release nut and remove bolt (2) towards front.

Expand swivel bearing (1) with special tool 31 2 230.

Lower workshop jack.

Remove swivel bearing (1) and tie up.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque: 31 31 3AZ, see 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fig 2: Special Tool (31 2 230), Swivel Bearing And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Spread swivel bearing (1) with special tool 31 2 230 , align by means of gap to positioning pins (2) on back of spring strut and raise as far as it will go.

Fig 3: Special Tool (31 2 230) And Swivel Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Centering pin missing: Make position of studs in relation to wheel arch.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unscrew nuts.

Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Installation:

Align spring strut using centering pin (1) to bore (2) in wheel arch or studs to wheel arch and push upwards.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque: 31 31 1AZ, see 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fig 4: Centering Pin Into Bore

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

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