31 31 000 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: 

• Refer to REMOVING FRONT WHEEL
• Refer to REMOVING FRONT BRAKE DISC
• Refer to REMOVING 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).

Press clamps (2) together and lift.

Remove cover (3).

Installation note: 

Make sure closures are correctly locked.

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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 bore holes 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 reworking: 

• Refer to INSTALLING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK ON THE SPRING STRUT 
• Refer to MOUNTING THE WISHBONE ON THE SWIVEL BEARING 
• Refer to MOUNTING THE TENSION STRUT ON THE SWIVEL BEARING 
• Refer to MOUNTING THE TRACK ROD END ON THE SWIVEL BEARING
• Connect plug connection for pulse sensor.
• Connect plug connection for brake pad wear sensor.
• Refer to INSTALLING FRONT WHEEL