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

Special tools required:

31 2 230
31 5 220

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 31 35 2AZ .

Release anti-roll bar link from swivel bearing.

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nut.

Fig 1: Identifying Self-Locking Nut

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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 2: Supporting Swivel Bearing With Special Tool (31 5 220) And Workshop Jack

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Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 31 12 6AZ .

Pull out screw (2).

Remove upper wishbone from swivel bearing.

Installation note:

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

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Screw must rest correctly in groove of ball stud.

Replace self-locking nut (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Screw And Nut

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IMPORTANT:

Only vehicles without Vertical Dynamic Control (VDC):

The installation position of the spring strut holder on the spring strut must strictly be marked before undoing the spring strut holder.

(By doing so, a defined pre-tensioning is ensured at the spring strut holder screw connection at the bottom wishbone.)

Failure to observe this requirement will result in substantial impairment of handling characteristics.

Mark the installation position of the spring strut holder by color coding the vertical section of the spring strut holder on the spring strut.

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

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

Slacken nut (5).

Remove screw (4).

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

Remove spring strut holder (3).

Installation note:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Holder, Nut, Bolt And Special Tool (31 2 230)

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Equipment specification with VDC: Align spring strut holder by way of gap to positioning pin on back of spring strut.

Equipment specification without VDC: Align spring strut holder by means of marking to spring strut.

Release bolt (4) and nut (5).

Note insertion direction of bolt (4).

Tighten first screw (4) and nut (5) in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Then tighten screw (2) in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .