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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .
Disconnect plug connection for pulse sensor and expose cable up to holder on spring strut.
Disconnect plug connection for brake pad wear sensor and expose cable up to brake caliper.

Release collar bolt (1), press brake pedal to floor for this purpose.

Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Collar Bolt

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Installation note:

Renew collar bolt (1) and compression spring (2).
Pay attention to installation position of compression spring (2).
Keep collar bolt and spur toothing of bearing/propeller shaft clean and free of grease
Follow installation note of the spur gearing.

Fig 2: Identifying Collar Bolt And Compression Spring
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IMPORTANT: Note on installation must be observed without fail!

Fig 3: Pressing Bearing Spur Gear And Output Shaft

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Installation note:

Spur gearing of bearing (1) and output shaft (2) must be installed form-fit (tooth in tooth)!
Tighten collar bolt and compression spring by hand.
Check whether spur gearing is locked tooth in tooth by reciprocally rotating wheel hub/output shaft.
Once a form-fit has been ensured, tighten to final torque.
Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ .

Only on ride-height sensor at left:

Release link at wishbone.

Fig 4: Locating Wishbone Link

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REMOVE front brake disc.
Slacken WISHBONE FITTING ON THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
- To prevent damage to wishbone rubber mount.
Remove WISHBONE FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Remove TRAILING LINK FROM SWIVEL BEARING

Unlock closures (1). Press clamps (2) together and lift.

Remove cover (3).

Installation note:

Make sure closures are correctly locked.

Fig 5: Identifying Spring Strut Shock Absorber Clamps And Cover

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

IMPORTANT: (Right side):
Risk of short circuits! Cover positive terminal (3) with suitable material.

Release screw (1) on suspension crossbrace.

Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ .

Installation note:

Replace screw.

Fig 6: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Screws

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Release screws (2) and remove spring strut with swivel bearing towards bottom.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Installation note:

Clean inside contact surface at spring strut dome.

Align spring strut with boreholes on spring strut dome using centering pins and push up.

Installation note:

Check sealing washer (1) for damage, renew if necessary.

Fig 7: Identifying Sealing Washer

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After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment procedure . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .

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. See 34 11 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS or 34 11 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS (BREMBO) .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .
Disconnect plug connection for pulse sensor and expose cable up to holder on spring strut.
Disconnect plug connection for brake pad wear sensor and expose cable up to brake caliper.

Only on ride-height sensor at left:

Release link at wishbone.

Fig 1: Locating Wishbone Link

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

Unlock closures (1).

Press clamps (2) together and lift.

Remove cover (3).

Installation note:

Make sure closures are correctly locked.

Fig 2: Identifying Spring Strut Shock Absorber Clamps And Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Secure spring strut against dropping.

Release screw (1) on suspension crossbrace.

Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ .

Release screws (2) and remove spring strut with swivel bearing towards bottom.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Installation note:

Replace screws (1) and (2).

Clean inside contact surface at spring strut dome.

Fig 3: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align spring strut with boreholes on spring strut dome using centering pins and push up.

IMPORTANT: While screwed in, the screws (2) must be sealed with BMW part no. 83 42 0 428 190 cavity preservation/spray sprayed from above onto the spring strut dome in order to prevent moisture penetration between the screw head and spring strut dome and thus prevent corrosion.

Installation note:

Check sealing washer (1) for damage, renew if necessary.

Fig 4: Identifying Sealing Washer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment procedure . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .