Special tools required:

• 31 3 031
• 31 3 032

Carry out check: 

There must always be a minimum amount of play in the guide joint.

1. Check guide joint play
   NOTE: For this purpose, apply light pressure to the compression strut (in the area of the guide joint) in the horizontal and vertical directions.
   • Play is OK: Check bolt connection. ( See Point 2)
   • Play is not OK: Replace rubber mount and guide joint. See 31 12 026 Removing and installing/replacing guide joint in swivel bearing (AWD) 
     Fig 1: Identifying Compression Strut

     Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. Check bolt connection (compression strut to guide joint) by tightening to 60 % of tightening torque 31 12 6AZ and listening for cracking sound31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS
   • Torque wrench cracking sound: Replace rubber mount
   • Bolt connection turns: Replace compression strut and guide joint. See 31 12 090 Removing and installing/replacing both compression struts (AWD) 

Replacing rubber mount: 

Remove both compression struts. See 31 12 090 Removing and installing/replacing both compression struts (AWD) 

Using a press and special tools 31 3 031 and 31 3 032, press rubber mount out of compression strut. See 31 3 030 PRESS-IN AND PRESS-OUT TOOL

Fig 2: Pressing Rubber Mount Using Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Keep rubber mount and bushing in compression strut clean and free from grease.

Align rubber mount by way of opening (1) in bushing to marking (2) on compression strut and press in. The deviation (A) must not exceed ± 5°.

Fig 3: Identifying Rubber Mount And Deviation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Protrusion (A) equally large.

Fig 4: Identifying Protrusion

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Perform chassis alignment check. See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE
• Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment. See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT