31 12 138 Replacing rubber mounts on both trailing links

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: For driving dynamic reasons the rubber mounts of both tension struts must always be replaced!
Because the tension strut is made of aluminum, the rubber mount may only be changed once!
Marking of rubber mount replacement must be made with a center punch in area (A)!
Tension struts which already have a punch mark in area (A) must be replaced! Changing the rubber mount again is prohibited!

Fig 1: Identifying Tension Struts With Punch Mark Area

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Necessary preliminary tasks

Check ball joints of tension struts while installed for damage, replace TENSION STRUTS if necessary
Remove both TENSION STRUTS

NOTE: Special tool 31 5 271 serves to remove and install the rubber mount.

AUS Removal

EIN Installation

Fig 2: Installing Rubber Mount Using Special Tool 31 5 271

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Special tool 31 5 271 must be exactly flush with rubber mount bushing.

Press rubber mount with special tools 31 5 271 and 31 5 272 out of tension strut.

Fig 3: Pressing Rubber Mount Using Special Tools 31 5 271 And 31 5 272 Out Of Tension Strut

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Mount take-up 31 5 273 on special tool 33 4 450 DEVICE .

Install rubber mount (1) in special tool and pull together.

Fig 4: Installing Rubber Mount In Special Tool 33 4 450

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IMPORTANT: Align rubber mount as pictured by way of slot to arrow marking (P). Deviation must not exceed ± 5°.

A = 30° ± 5°

NOTE: Keep rubber mount and bushing in tension strut clean and free from grease.

Fig 5: Identifying Rubber Mount With Aligning Marking

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Draw in rubber mount (1) with special tools 31 5 271 and 31 5 272 until special tool 31 5 273 rests on tension strut.

Remove special tools 33 4 450 DEVICE and 31 5 273.

Install rubber mount (1) as far as it will go.

Fig 6: Installing Rubber Mount Using Special Tools 31 5 271 And 31 5 272

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Installation:

Protrusion (A) equally large.

Fig 7: Identifying Protrusion

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IMPORTANT: Mark replacement of tension strut rubber mounts by means of a punch mark in area (A).

Fig 8: Identifying Tension Struts With Punch Mark Area

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