33 52 161 Replacing rear left or right thrust bearing for spring strut/shock absorber

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NOTE:

Read and comply with notes on replacing shock absorbers. See 33 00... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS and 33 90... TROUBLESHOOTING SHOCK ABSORBER .
Read and comply with BMW Parts Service notes.

IMPORTANT: Only for vehicles with ride-height control (air suspension).

Ensure correct mating (absorber/support pot) when replacing shock absorbers.

The following mating combinations (absorber/support pot) are permissible.

DIMENSION SPECIFICATION

Damper	Support pot
A 394.5 mm	B 69.2 mm
C 347.5 mm	C 22.0 mm

Absorber/support pot mating must be identical on left/right sides.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR SHOCK ABSORBER

Fig 1: Identifying Damper And Support Pot Dimension

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Slacken nut (1).

Remove joint disc (2), support bearing upper section (3) and support bearing flange (4).

Installation:

Insert support bearing upper section (3) correctly in support bearing flange (4).

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 2AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Joint Disc And Bearing Upper Section With Nut

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Remove spacer sleeve (1) with support bearing lower section (2).

Check protective tube (3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Installation:

Insert spacer sleeve (1) correctly in support bearing lower section (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Spacer Sleeve And Protective Tube

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.