31 31 031 Replacing Front Left Or Right Spring Strut (AWD)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 528xi, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 210
31 2 230
31 3 341
31 3 354
31 3 355
31 3 356

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.

IMPORTANT: Replace auxiliary dampers in pairs only.

NOTE: The support ring on the auxiliary damper has been modified from plastic to steel.

NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut

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

Remove bolt (3) towards front.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

Installation:

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

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to positioning pins on back of spring strut and push together as far as it will go.

Replace self-locking nut.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)

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Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 in vice.

Insert centering ring 31 3 356 in special tool 31 3 354.

Position special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with centering ring 31 3 356 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 3 355 and 31 3 354 with centering ring 31 3 356, correct if necessary.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 354), (31 3 355) And (31 3 356)

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WARNING: During tensioning, spring plate must rest correctly in special tool 31 3 354 with centering ring 31 3 356!
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 dirt and take up with special tools 31 3 355 and 31 3 354 with centering ring 31 3 356.

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 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 355) And (31 3 354)

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Take off cap.

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

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 210)

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Remove support bearing (1), dust sleeve and supporting ring (2).

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

Fig 5: Identifying Support Bearing And Supporting Ring

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If necessary, remove auxiliary damper (1) with gaiter (2) and spring pad (3) from shock absorber.

Fig 6: Identifying Auxiliary Damper, Gaiter And Lower Spring Pad

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Relieve tension on coil spring. Remove coil spring with spring plate from special tools 31 3 354, 31 3 356 and 31 3 355.

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 354) And (31 3 355)

Installation: Check spring pad (1) for damage, replace if necessary. Attach spring plate (2) with spring pad (1) to coil spring.

NOTE: End of coil spring must be positively aligned to spring pad (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Spring Plate And Upper Spring Pad

Hold coil spring and spring plate with special tools 31 3 355, 31 3 356 and 31 3 354. Twist coil spring until lower end of coil spring (1) is flush with end (2) of special tool 31 3 355.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 354) And (31 3 355)

WARNING: Do not compress coil spring to full extent. Special tool 31 3 354 and centering ring 31 3 356 must rest correctly on the upper spring plate! Bottom coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355!

Tension coil spring.

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 354) And (31 3 355)

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

NOTE: Make sure spring pad (3) is correctly seated on shock absorber.

Fig 11: Identifying Auxiliary Spring, Gaiter And Lower Spring Pad

Insert shock absorber in tensioned coil spring. Attach thrust washer (2) to piston rod. Check support bearing (1) for damage, replace if necessary. Attach dust sleeve and support bearing to piston rod.

Fig 12: Identifying Support Bearing And Supporting Ring

Replace nut and tighten down with special tool 31 2 210 (grip piston rod in the process). Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ . Fit cover cap.

Fig 13: Identifying Special Tool 31 2 210

IMPORTANT: Spring pad (1) must rest positively on spring plate (2)! Upper end of coil spring must rest on stop of spring pad (1)!

Fig 14: Identifying Spring Plate And Upper Spring Pad

IMPORTANT: Lower end of coil spring (2) must rest on stop of spring pad (1)!

Relieve tension on coil spring. Check installation position of gaiter, correct fold if necessary.

Fig 15: Identifying Special Tools 31 4 051, 31 4 060, 33 3 274 And 00 2 040

After installation: Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.