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

Special tools required: 

• 31 2 210
• 31 2 230
• 31 3 341
• 31 3 354
• 31 3 355
• 31 3 358

Fig 1: Identifying BMW Shock Absorber Part Number

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
2. Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
3. No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
4. These special tools are intended solely for the purpose tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
5. Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
6. Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
7. Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
8. Observe manufacturer's instructions.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove Front Spring Strut 

Secure swivel bearing against falling out.

Release nut (1) and remove holder (2).

Remove bolt (3) towards front.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

Installation: 

Keep press fit of swivel bearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to positioning pins on back of spring strut and push together as far as it will go.

Replace self-locking nut.

For tightening torque refer to 31 31 3AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing: 

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Install insert 31 3 358 in special tool 31 3 354.

Position special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358, correct if necessary.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 341), (31 3 358), (321 3 355), (31 3 354) And Locking Pins

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse dirt and take up with special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with insert 31 3 358.

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

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools (31 3 355), (31 3 354) And Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210) And Shock Absorber Nut

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Remove support bearing (1), dust sleeve and supporting ring (2).

Remove spring strut with auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 6: Identifying Shock Absorber Support Bearing And Supporting Ring

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Remove auxiliary spring (1) with gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3).

Assembly: 

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

Attach lower spring pad (3) to spring plate.

Attach auxiliary spring (1) and gaiter (2) to piston rod.

Fig 7: Identifying Auxiliary Spring, Gaiter And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert spring strut in tensioned coil spring and align to end of coil spring (2) using lower spring pad (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Coil Spring And Lower Spring Pad

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Attach thrust washer (2) to piston rod.

Check support bearing (1) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach dust sleeve and support bearing (1) to piston rod.

Fig 9: Identifying Thrust Washer And Support Bearing

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Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

Tighten down nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

For tightening torque refer to 31 31 2AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fit cover cap.

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210) And Mounting Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Perform Chassis Alignment Check
• Carry out Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment/Adjustment For Active Front Steering