31 31 031 Replacing Front Left Or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED:

31 2 210
31 3 341
31 3 354
31 3 355

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the coil springs.

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 free of grease.
Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
Observe manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: Read and comply with INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT SPRING STRUT

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Fit special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355 from above on special tool 31 3 341 until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355, correct if necessary.

Fig 1: Identifying Locking Pins And Special Tool (31 3 354, 31 3 355, 31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: During tensioning, spring plate must rest correctly in special tool 31 3 354 !

During tensioning, lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355!

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Clean coil spring to remove coarse contamination and take up with special tools 31 3 354 and 31 3 355.

Twist spring strut until end of coil spring (1) is flush with end of special tool 31 3 355.

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 2: Identifying Coil Spring End And Special Tools (31 3 354, 31 3 355)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Remove support bearing, dust sleeve and shim.

Remove spring strut with auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove auxiliary damper (1) with gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3).

Assembly:

Check auxiliary damper (1), gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach lower spring pad (3) to spring plate.

Attach auxiliary spring (1) and gaiter (2) to piston rod.

Fig 4: Identifying Auxiliary Damper, Gaiter And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert spring strut in tensioned coil spring. End of coil spring (1) must be aligned as illustrated to lower spring pad (2).

NOTE: End of coil spring (1) must not touch against shoulder of spring pad.

The recess only serves to reinforce and correctly seat the lower spring pad and does not serve as a stop for the spring end.

Fig 5: Identifying End Of Coil Spring And Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach shim to piston rod.

Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach dust sleeve and support bearing to piston rod.

Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

NOTE: Make sure that lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate.

Tighten down nut with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process).

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ . See 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fully relieve tension on coil spring.

Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

After installation:

Carry out WHEEL/CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.