31 12 043 Removing and installing/replacing complete front left or right spring strut holder

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove STABILIZER LINK FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Secure special tool 31 5 220 with wheel studs to drive flange.

Support swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 220 and workshop jack.

Fig 1: Supporting Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (31 5 220) And Workshop Jack

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Slacken nut (1).

Release bolt (2) and remove upper control arm from swivel bearing.

Installation:

Keep upper control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Note insertion direction of screw.

Screw must rest correctly in groove of ball stud.

Replace self-locking nut.

Fig 2: Identifying Upper Control Arm And Bolt

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Tightening torque 31 12 6AZ .

IMPORTANT: To be able to lower the swivel bearing far enough, it is necessary to align the output shaft so that one of the marked surfaces (1) points upwards.

Fig 3: Identifying Output Shaft Marked Surfaces

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Release bolt (2) and remove with holder (1).

Expand spring strut holder (3) with special tool. 31 2 230 .

Release nut (5) and remove screw (4).

Lower swivel bearing until spring strut holder (3) is below spring strut.

Remove spring strut holder (3), taking care not to damage the output shaft.

Fig 4: Expanding Spring Strut Holder Using Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Keep spring strut holder to spring strut connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management: Align spring strut holder by way of gap to positioning pin on back of spring strut.

Release bolt (4) and nut (5).

Note insertion direction of bolt (4).

Tighten down first bolt (4) and then bolt (2) in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 12 8AZ (to spring strut).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ (to lower control arm).