31 90 ... Troubleshooting Shock Absorber
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW Alpina and 2007 BMW Alpina. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers. See 31 00 ... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS .
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| Fault | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorber knocking (bottoming) | Rubber damper faulty | Visually inspect auxiliary spring for cracking, replace auxiliary spring . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) . |
| Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) | Replace shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . | |
| Rattling noise | Shock absorber mounting loose | Tighten shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . |
| Support bearing faulty/hardened | Replace support bearing . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) . | |
| Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) | Replace shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . | |
| Worn down areas (flattened areas) on tire profile | Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) | Replace shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . |
| Long after-swinging of body after driving over rough road | Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) | Replace shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . |
| Building-up of body in case of successive uneven surfaces | Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) | Replace shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . |
| Wheels jumping even on normal road surfaces | Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) | Replace shock absorber . See 31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER . |
| Whistling noises | Separating skin in vent holes of auxiliary spring | Remove separating skin |