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

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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

Installation note:

All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove FRONT BRAKE DISC .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .
Detach plug connection for pulse sensor and expose line up to holder on spring strut.
Unplug connector for brake pad wear sensor and expose lead up to brake caliper.

If necessary, remove jointed rod of ride height sensor from wishbone.

Fig 1: Locating Wishbone Ride Height Sensor Jointed Rod

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken WISHBONE BOLT CONNECTION ON FRONT AXLE SUPPORT in order to prevent wishbone rubber mount from being damaged.

Remove WISHBONE FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TRAILING LINK FROM SWIVEL BEARING

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Secure spring strut against falling out.

Centring pin missing: Remove TENSION STRUT/TRAILING LINK (ON SPRING STRUT DOME) and mark position of threaded pins to wheel arch.

Release nuts (1) and remove spring strut with swivel bearing towards bottom.

Installation note:

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Align spring strut using centring pin to bore in wheel arch or stud bolts to the marks in wheel arch and push upwards.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Fig 2: Removing Spring Strut Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Replace faulty sealing washer (1).
Reinstall sealing washer (1) and plate insert (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Sealing Washer And Plate Insert

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform wheel alignment . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .