31 31 000 Removing And Installing Front Left Or Right Spring Strut

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2008 MINI Cooper, 2007 MINI Cooper, 2006 MINI Cooper, 2005 MINI Cooper, and 2004 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The test to ascertain whether the spring strut needs to be replaced can be carried out in two ways:

While installed: Shock tester
While removed: Shock absorber test machine

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove wheel. Refer to WHEEL AND TIRES - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS - COOPER .
Remove brake caliper from brake console. Refer to 34 11 519 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER .

Detach wheel speed sensor and brake hose from brackets.

Fig 1: Wheel Speed Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cars with automatic headlight vertical aim control: Release screw (1) and remove bracket.

Fig 2: Removing Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure that the bracket is reinstalled in the correct position.

Cars up to 03/2002:

Release nut (1), gripping with Allen key or open-end wrench. See Figure.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque, 56 Nm.

Cars from 03/2002:

Release nut (1), gripping with Allen key or open-end wrench. See Figure.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque, 56 Nm.

Release nut and press tie rod with special tool 32 3 090 (1) out of steering knuckle. See Figure.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque, 52 Nm.

Release nut and press control arm with special tool 32 1 190 out of steering knuckle. See Figure.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque, 56 Nm.

IMPORTANT: Support steering knuckle.

Release clamping screw on steering knuckle and detach steering knuckle from spring strut.

Fig 3: Detaching Steering Knuckle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Feed in spring strut and press steering knuckle upwards as far as it will go.

Insert screw. Tightening torque, 81 Nm.

Release nuts (1), supporting spring strut in the process and then remove spring strut.

Fig 4: Removing Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque, 34 Nm.

Cars up to 03/2002:

Release nut (2), gripping with open-end wrench (1). See Figure. Remove stabilizer link from spring strut.

Installation:

Tightening torque, 56 Nm.