Removing and installing complete left or right spring strut shock absorber

Installation note: 

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

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove FRONT WHEEL .
• Remove front brake disc. Refer to REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS or 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.

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Release nut (1), if necessary, counter-hold at inner Torx (T40).

Installation note: 

Keep wishbone to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 4AZ .

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Pull wishbone (1) in direction of arrow and feed out of swivel bearing (2).

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Attention! 

Wishbone (1) can lie on swivel bearing (3).

Risk of damage to the rubber grommet (2) by the swivel bearing (3).

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Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TENSION STRUT FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Unlock closures (1).

Unclip clamp (2).

Remove cover (3).

Installation note: 

Make sure closures are correctly locked.

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Unclip the holder (1) for gasket (2).

Unclip gasket (2) on spring strut and lay to one side.

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Installation note: 

Position gasket (2) on spring strut.

Clip in holder (1).

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Release screw (1) on suspension cross-brace.

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.

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

Attention!

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, replace if necessary.

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Required follow-up work: 

• Mount the WISHBONE ON THE SWIVEL BEARING .
• Mount the TENSION STRUT ON THE SWIVEL BEARING .
• Mount the TRACK ROD END ON THE SWIVEL BEARING .
• Install front brake disc. Refer to REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS (BREMBO) .
• Mount the ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK ON THE SPRING STRUT .
• Connect the connector for the brake pad wear sensor.
• Connect the connector for the pulse sensor.
• Install front wheel. Refer to Install FRONT WHEEL ..