31 31 000 Removing and installing front left or right spring strut

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

Special tools required:

31 5 220 .

WARNING: Danger to life!
Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

IMPORTANT: If the centering pin is missing from the support bearing, the position of the studs to the wheel arch must be marked so that the original camber is approximately maintained.
Only one nut may ever be released for marking.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheel.
Remove control arm from swivel bearing
Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing . See 32 21 231 REPLACING (REMOVING AND INSTALLING) LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .
Remove stabilizer link from spring strut .

Disengage brake hose from spring strut.

Fig 1: Disengage Brake Hose From Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Danger 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:

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Secure special tool 31 5 220 with wheel bolts (1) to wheel bearing and support swivel bearing with workshop jack.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 220) With Wheel Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disengage pulse generator (3) from spring strut.

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

Carefully lower workshop jack until spring strut can be removed.

Installation:

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

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening permitted by means of screw only.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Generator (3) And Screws

Courtesy 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.

Align spring strut using centering pin to bore in wheel arch or studs to markings on wheel arch.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Self-Locking Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.
See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS -- CLUBMAN