Replacing Front Left or Right Spring Strut (AWD)

31 31 031 - Replacing front left or right spring strut (AWD)





Special tools required:
- 31 2 210 31 2 210 Socket Wrench Socket WAF 21
- 31 2 230 31 2 230 Socket
- 31 3 340 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner
- 31 3 341 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner
- 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder
- 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder
- 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder





Important!
Replace auxiliary dampers in pairs only.

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





Warning!
Prior to each use of the special tool 31 3 340 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner, it is essential to read the associated Owner's Handbook fully!

All the safety precautions and instructions contained in the Owner's Handbook must be strictly observed!

Failure to observe these safety precautions and instructions increases the risk of serious physical injury, damage to your health and damage to property and equipment!





Important!
1. Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
2. Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
3. No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
4. These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
5. Keep special tools dry, clean and (down to the spindle) free from grease.
6. Impact screwdrivers are prohibited!
7. Do not compress coil spring to full extent.





Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove front spring strut Removing and Installing Complete Front Left or Right Spring Strut (AWD)





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

Remove bolt (3) towards front.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 31 2 230 Socket.

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

Installation Note:
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 31 2 230 Socket, 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.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ Spring Struts (Front).





Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner in vice.

Insert centering ring 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder in special tool 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Position special tools 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder and 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder with centering ring 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder from above on special tool 31 3 341 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner until locking pins (1) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder and 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder with centering ring 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder, correct if necessary.





Clean coil spring to remove heavy contamination.

Accommodate coil spring and upper spring plate with special tools 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder, 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder and 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Twist spring strut until end of coil spring (1) is flush with end of special tool 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Warning!
Special tool 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder and centering ring 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder must rest correctly on upper spring plate!

Lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder!

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.





Take off cap.

Release nut with special tool 31 2 210 31 2 210 Socket Wrench Socket WAF 21 (grip piston rod in the process).





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

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





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





Relieve tension on coil spring.

Remove coil spring with spring plate from special tools 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder, 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder and 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder.





Assembly:

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).





Accommodate coil spring and spring plate with special tools 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder, 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder and 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Twist coil spring until lower end of coil spring (1) is flush with end (2) of special tool 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder.





Warning!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Special tool 31 3 354 31 3 350 Spring Holder and centering ring 31 3 356 31 3 350 Spring Holder must rest correctly on upper spring plate!

Lower coil of coil spring must rest completely in recess of special tool 31 3 355 31 3 350 Spring Holder!

Tension coil spring.





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.





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.





Replace nut and tighten down with special tool 31 2 210 31 2 210 Socket Wrench Socket WAF 21 (grip piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ Spring Struts (Front).

Fit cover cap.





Important!
Spring pad (1) must rest positively on spring plate (2)!

Upper end of coil spring must rest on stop of spring pad (1)!





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.





After installation:

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