33 52 000 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right shock absorber

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required

IMPORTANT:

When replacing shock absorber/spring strut, renew auxiliary damper.

WARNING: Before using the special tool 31 3 340 take care to read through the Owner's Handbook!
All the safety information and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed!
Failure to observe these safety information and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!

IMPORTANT:

Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Necessary preliminary work

REMOVE REAR SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER UNIT .

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 to guide (1) in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 357 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until retaining bolts (2) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 357 and, if necessary, correct.

Fig 1: Fitting Special Tool (31 3 357) On Special Tool (31 3 341)

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IMPORTANT: Do not damage protective tube (1).

Clean coil spring to remove all coarse dirt and mount on special tools 31 3 357.

Fig 2: Identifying Protective Tube

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IMPORTANT: Coils (1) of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 357 when tensioned!

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Coils Of Coil Spring

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WARNING: Nut may only be release when the spring coil is located completely in the recess of the special tools and the piston rod is freed of load!

Release nut (1), gripping piston rod if necessary.

Installation note:

Replace nut.

Tightening torque 33 52 3AZ

Fig 4: Releasing Nut

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NOTE: Insert coil spring in special tools so that spring end (1) with the smaller spring diameter points downwards in the middle.

Fig 5: Identifying Spring End

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Installation note:

Make sure spring end (1) contacts spring pad correctly. The positioning (2) on the spring pad must rest in the recess of the spring cup.

Fig 6: Identifying Spring End

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Installation note:

Make sure that the correct support bearing is installed on each side of the vehicle.

Fig 7: Identifying Shock Absorber Piston Rod, Support Bearing, Hexagon Nut, Spring Cup And Plate

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Replacement

Modify or replace stone guard.