Strut Assembly: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW Z8, 2002 BMW Z8, 2001 BMW Z8, and 2000 BMW Z8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- If a new coil spring is installed, relieve tension on special tool (31 3 341) and remove coil spring. Insert a new coil spring with spring retainer and, if necessary, a new spring pad in spring holder. Ensure positive locking of end of spring, spring pad and spring retainer. End of spring (1) must be flush with end of spring holder (2). See Fig 1 .
- Tension coil spring. Check cap (1), replace if necessary. Check auxiliary spring (2) and protective tube (3) and replace if necessary. See Fig 2 .
- Insert spring strut in coil spring and upper spring retainer.
- Screw a new self locking nut (1) onto piston rod until flush. Coil spring must form a positive connection as it rests in lower spring plate/spring pad. Relieve tension on coil spring until it is fully resting in lower spring retainer. Do not fully relieve tension on coil spring. Tighten down nut with special tool (31 2 210). See Fig 3 .
- Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Fully release tension on coil spring and remove from retainer.
- To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace all lock nuts. Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
WARNING:
It is absolutely essential to use special tool (31 3 367). This is the red protective insert for Z8 model. Failure to use the protective insert exposes the risk of the spring detaching from special tool (31 3 341) during the tension/relieving operation. Keep special tools dry and free of grease. Do not use special tools which are damaged. Never tighten or untighten special tools with impact wrenches.