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Coil Spring & Shock Absorber: Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 530i, 2003 BMW 525i, 2002 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 525i, and 2001 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Remove front wheel. See 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL
  2. Remove brake caliper and tie back to body. It is not necessary to disconnect brake line. Unclip ABS and brake wear cable from bracket and disconnect from connection box. See CALIPER ASSEMBLY .
  3. Remove stabilizer link. See Fig 1.
  4. Unfasten nut. See Fig 2.
  5. Press steering tie rod off steering knuckle with special tool (31 2 240). See Fig 3.
  6. Mark the installation position of the spring strut tube (1) in the swivel bearing (2) with paint. Never mark with scribing tool. Marking is required if the factory mark is still identifiable. R is installation position of right spring strut tube and L is left. See Fig 4.
  7. Unfasten nut. If necessary, spread swivel bearing with special tool (31 2 200) and remove towards bottom. See Fig 5.
  8. Lift up cap. If applicable, disconnect plug connection on electronic damper control and remove cap from cable. Remove spring strut shock absorber thrust bearing from wheel arch. See Fig 6.
    9. CAUTION: Do not release spring strut from swivel bearing with rotary motions. This can cause damage to shock absorber.
  9. Do not damage wheel arch. Use a protective cover (2). Press swivel bearing down with a lever (1) until spring strut shock absorber can be tilted outwards from wheel arch. If necessary, remove engine shielding. See Fig 7.
  10. With a screwdriver or pry bar, press spring strut shock absorber out of swivel bearing. See Fig 8.
    11. WARNING: Before they are used, always check that special tools work properly. Use only suitable spring retainers. Never use an impact wrench for tensioning/releasing purposes. Keep protective inserts clean and free from oil and grease.
  11. Clamp special tool (31 3 341) at guide (1) in vise. Slide in special tools (31 3 352/354) in each case from chamfer of special tool (31 3 341). Locking pins (2) must be felt and heard snapping into place. See Fig 9.
  12. Position lower coil of the coil spring and the upper spring plate between the spring holder. When tensioned in the spring holder, the spring coil must rest completely in the recess. See Fig 9.
    13. WARNING: Do not compress coils to full extent.
  13. Tighten down coil springs until stress on the thrust bearing is just relieved.
  14. Brace with wrench and release nut with special tool (31 2 210). Grip piston rod firmly, if necessary, and remove spring strut shock absorber. See Fig 10.
  15. If a new coil spring is installed, release special tool (31 3 341) and remove coil spring. The special tool must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver. Check spring pad. Replace if necessary. Fit spring pad and spring plate onto new coil spring. End of spring (1) must be flush with end of spring holder (2). See Fig 11.
Fig 1: Locating Stabilizer Nut
G00155776Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Locating Tie Rod End Nut
G00160856Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 3: Pressing Off Track Rod
G00160857Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 4: Marking Installation Position
G00160854Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 5: Removing Tension Strut
G00160855Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 6: Lifting Up Cap
G00160860Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 7: Swinging Out Shock Absorber
G00160861Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 8: Pressing Shock Absorber Out Of Swivel Bearing
G00160862Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 9: Clamping Special Tool In Vise
G00160863Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 10: Using Special Tool (31 2 210)
G00160864Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 11: Inserting New Coil Spring
G00160865Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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