LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Mini >> 2010 >> Cooper S, 2D Hatchback, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 2829 (Front Axle - Repair - E91 (AWD)) >> 3131 Spring Strut >> 31 31 003 Removing and installing complete front left or right spring strut (AWD) >> Necessary preliminary tasks

Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2010 BMW 328xi, 2009 BMW 328xi, and 2008 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Risk of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.

When supporting components, make sure that

Secure special tool 31 5 220 with wheel studs to drive flange and support swivel bearing with workshop jack.

Fig 1: Securing Special Tool 31 5 220 With Wheel Studs To Drive Flange
G04745179Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip line for brake pad sensor on swivel bearing.

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

Installation: 

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Holder With Screw
G04745180Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
When the swivel bearing is lowered, the tripod (2) can be pulled out of the tulip (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 molding. The roller would then be located in the gaiter (3) or bellows and result in rapid failure.
Fig 3: Identifying Tripod, Tulip And Rubber Gaiter
G04745181Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Carefully lower swivel bearing.

Installation: 

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

Fig 4: Expanding Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool 31 2 230
G04745182Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by way of gap to positioning pins (1) on back of spring strut and raise up to stop.

Fig 5: Aligning Gap To Positioning Pins On Back Of Spring Strut
G06903655Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Centering pin missing: Make position of studs in relation to wheel arch.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Installation: 

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Fig 6: Identifying Spring Strut Nuts
G04726275Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align spring strut using centering pin to bore in wheel arch or studs to wheel arch and push upwards.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

IMPORTANT: Replace faulty sealing washer (1).
Reinstall sealing washer (1) and plate insert (2).
Fig 7: Identifying Sealing Washer And Plate
G04726276Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.