Replacing Front Left or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber

31 31 031 Replacing front left or right spring strut shock absorber

Special tools required:
^ 31 2 210
^ 31 3 341
^ 31 3 354
^ 31 3 355

Remove complete front left or right spring strut.





Clamp special tool 31 3 341 at guide (1) in vise.
Slide in special tools 313 354 (without protective insert) and 31 3 355 in each case from chamfer of special tool 31 3 341.
Locking pins (2) must be felt and heard snapping into place.





Spring retainers must be pushed in from chamfer side (1) of special tool 313 341.
Locking pins must be felt and heard snapping into place.
Check seating of spring retainers again.

Warning:
Before they are used, always check that the special tools work properly.
Do not use damaged tools.
Do not make any modifications to special tools.
Use only suitable spring retainers.
Special tool 31 3 341 is intended exclusively for tensioning and relieving BMW suspension springs; do not tension or relieve with an impact screwdriver.
Keep protective inserts and spring holders clean and free from oil and grease.
You will be exposed to an increased risk of injury if you fail to comply with the above-mentioned points!

Accommodate coil spring between spring holders.
End of spring (1) must be flush with end of spring holder (2).
When tensioned in the spring retainer, the spring coil must rest completely in the recess.





Warning:
When tensioned in the spring retainer, the spring coil must rest completely in the recess.
The special tool 313 341 must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver.
The coils must not be fully tensioned.
Only tighten down the coil springs until stress on the thrust bearing is relieved.
The nut may only be released when the spring coil is resting completely in the recess of the spring holder! Repeat tensioning process if necessary.





Release nut with special tool 31 2 2107 grip piston rod if necessary.

Important: Screw connection of support bearing to piston rod must not be released with impact screwdriver!

Follow Notes 1 to 3 if a new coil spring is installed.
Note 1:
Relieve tension on special tool 313 341 and remove coil spring.
The special tool must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver.

Note 2:
Check spring pad (1), replace if necessary.
Fit spring pad (1) and spring plate (2) on new coil spring.
Make sure that end of spring, spring pad (1) and spring plate (2) form a positive connection.

Note 3:
Place coil spring in spring holders. End of spring (1) must be flush with end of spring holder (2).





Warning:
When tensioned in the spring retainer, the spring coil must rest completely in the recess.
The special tool must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver.
Tension coil spring.
The coils must not be fully tensioned.





Replace auxiliary spring (1) if necessary.
Check protective tube (2) and spring pad (3), replace if necessary. Opening on spring plate and spring pad must be flush.

Insert spring strut shock absorber into coil spring and upper spring plate.
Observe installation sequence.
Replace self-locking nut (1) and screw onto piston rod so that it is flush.
Coil spring must fit positively in lower spring plate/spring pad.
Release tension on coil spring until it is fully resting in lower spring plate.

Tighten self-locking nut with special tool 31 2 210, grip piston rod if necessary.


Important: Screw connection of support bearing to piston rod must not be tightened with impact screwdriver!

Fully release tension on coil spring and remove.