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

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Special tools required:

31 2 230

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:

Detach OUTPUT SHAFT from wheel bearing and tie up.
Remove BRAKE CALIPER and tie back.
Remove BRAKE DISC .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .
Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Detach TRAILING LINK from swivel bearing.
Remove WISHBONE .
Detach WHEEL SPEED SENSOR from swivel bearing and unclip line from spring strut.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
When the output shaft is removed from the wheel bearing, the tripod (2) can be pulled out of the joint housing (1) and fall into the rubber gaiter (3). In this event, it will be necessary to install a new output shaft because the tripod (2) can jam or a roller of the tripod (2) can slip off the moulding. The roller would then be located in the gaiter (3) or bellows and result in rapid failure.

Fig 1: Identifying Joint Housing, Tripod And Rubber Gaiter

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Release screw (1) on strut.

Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ .

Unfasten screws (2).

Installation note:

Replace screws.

For support bearings that have already been installed, do not use self-tapping screws.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

If thread in support bearing is damaged, use Helicoil thread insert See 31 00... NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS (B) or 41 00... NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS (A) !

Fig 2: Identifying Screws On Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove spring strut with swivel bearing downwards out of wheel arch.

After installation:

Perform CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK .

Special tools required:

31 2 230

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 BRAKE CALIPER and tie back.
Remove BRAKE DISC .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .
Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Detach TRAILING LINK from swivel bearing.
Remove WISHBONE .
Detach WHEEL SPEED SENSOR from swivel bearing and unclip line from spring strut.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Release screw (1) on strut.

Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ .

Unfasten screws (2).

Installation note:

Replace screws.

For support bearings that have already been installed, do not use self-tapping screws.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

If thread in support bearing is damaged, use Helicoil thread insert See 31 00... NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS (B) or 41 00... NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS (A) !

Fig 1: Identifying Spring Strut And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove spring strut with swivel bearing downwards out of wheel arch.

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 .