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

Special tools required:

31 5 220

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

Installation note:

All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
Retaining elements on chassis and suspension and steering parts must be replaced.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .
Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .

Detach brake hose from spring strut.

Fig 1: Identifying Brake Hose And Holder

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 vehicle hoist 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 vehicle hoist.

Secure special tool 31 5 220 to the wheel bearing with wheel studs (1).

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack.

Fig 2: Securing Special Tool (31 5 220) To Wheel Bearing With Wheel Studs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach pulse sensor (3) from spring strut.

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

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Carefully lower the workshop jack until the spring strut can be removed.

Installation note:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Sensor, Nut And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tighten only via screw .

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

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Installation note:

Fig 4: Identifying Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clean contact surface at spring strut dome.

Align the spring strut using the centering pin for a bore hole on the wheel arch or stud bolt with the marks on the wheel arch.

Replace self-locking nuts.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or is installed without centering pin. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT (WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD) .