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Strut Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW Z8, 2002 BMW Z8, 2001 BMW Z8, and 2000 BMW Z8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove screws and rear panel. See Figure .
  2. Remove screws and front panel. See Figure .
  3. Remove stabilizer bar link. See Fig 1 .
  4. Remove tie-rod lock nut and discard. See Fig 2 .
  5. Remove lower strut mounting lock nut and discard. See Fig 3 .
  6. Force off tie rod with special tool (31 2 100).
  7. Move steering unit to opposite lock.
  8. Unfasten nut. Using special tool (31-2-200), expand strut lower mount. See Fig 3 .
  9. Lift up cap. Remove spring strut shock absorber support bearing from wheel arch. See Fig 4 .
  10. Support swivel bearing.
    11. CAUTION: Do not unfasten spring strut shock absorber from swivel bearing with turning motion. This can cause damage to the spring strut shock absorber.
  11. Press swivel bearing down until strut assembly can be tilted outward from wheel arch. See Fig 5 .
  12. Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing. See Fig 6 .
    13. WARNING: It is absolutely essential to use special tool (31 3 367). This is the red protective insert for Z8 model. Failure to use the protective insert exposes the risk of the spring detaching from special tool (31 3 341) during the tension/relieving operation. Keep special tools dry and free of grease. Do not use special tools which are damaged. Never tighten or untighten special tools with impact wrenches.
  13. Clamp special tool (31 3 341) at guide (1) in vise. Use special tools (31 3 352/54/67. Locking pins (2) must be felt and heard snapping into place. See Fig 7 .
  14. The spring holders must be pushed in from the chamfer side (1) of special tool (31 3 341). See Fig 8 .
    15. WARNING: Coil must rest completely in recess of spring retainer.
  15. Lay the lower coil of the coil spring and the upper spring plate between the spring holder. See Fig 9 .
  16. Compress coil spring only until stress on piston rod is relieved.
  17. Grip with wrench (open ring/hexagon socket) and release nut with special tool (31 2 210). See Fig 10 .
Fig 1: Removing Stabilizer Link Nut
G00148287Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Locating Tie-Rod Lock Nut
G00079016Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 3: Locating Strut Lower Lock Nut
G00079017Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 4: Removing Spring Strut Support Bearing
G00148288Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 5: Tilting Out Spring Strut
G00148289Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 6: Removing Strut
G00079018Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 7: Using Spring Holder
G00148290Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 8: Locating Chamfer
G00148260Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 9: Laying Coil In Spring Holder
G00148291Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 10: Using Special Tool (31 2 210)
G00148292Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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