31 31 031 Replacing front left or right spring strut shock absorber

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Special tools required:

31 3 340
31 3 341
31 3 355
33 0 040
31 0 040

WARNING: Prior to each use of special tool 31 3 340, it is essential to read the associated Owner's Handbook fully!
All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed!
Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

IMPORTANT:

Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER or 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER .

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 with guide (1) in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 355 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until retaining bolts (2) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 355 and, if necessary, correct.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools 31 3 355

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Clean coil spring to remove all coarse dirt and mount on special tools 31 3 355.

WARNING: Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 355!

Tension coil spring with special tool 31 3 341 until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Removing Tension Coil Spring

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Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 33 0 040 (grip piston rod in the process).

Remove support bearing.

Remove shock absorber with auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad from tensioned coil spring.

Installation note:

When renewing support bearing: Renew screws (self-tapping if necessary).

Fig 3: Removing Support Bearing

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Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!

Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!

If necessary, remove auxiliary damper (1) with gaiter (2) and spring pad (3) from shock absorber.

Fig 4: Identifying Auxiliary Damper, Gaiter And Spring Pad

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Relieve tension on coil spring and remove from special tools 31 3 355.

Fig 5: Removing Tension On Coil Spring

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Remove swivel bearing . See 31 21 090 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT SWIVEL BEARING or 31 21 090 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT SWIVEL BEARING .

Installation note:

When renewing spring strut/swivel bearing, follow tightening specifications!

Assembly:

Accommodate coil spring with special tools 31 3 355.

Twist coil spring until lower end of coil spring (1) is flush with end (2) of special tool 31 3 355.

WARNING: Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 355!

Tension coil spring.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tools 31 3 355

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Check auxiliary damper (1), gaiter (2) and spring pad (3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig 7: Identifying Auxiliary Damper, Gaiter And Spring Pad

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NOTE: Align spring pad (3) with spring pad by way of recess (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Spring Pad Recess

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IMPORTANT: Align lower end of coil spring (1) flush with spring pad (2) as shown.
Upper coil of coil spring must rest positively on spring cup!

Insert shock absorber in tensioned coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fig 9: Identifying Coil Spring And Pad

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Check support bearing and spring pad for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach support bearing to piston rod.

Replace nut and tighten down with special tool 31 0 040 (grip piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ .

Fit cover cap.

Fig 10: Attaching Support Bearing To Piston Rod

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Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!

Risk of damage inside the shock absorber!