Replacing Rubber Mounts on Both Tension Struts (AWD)

31 12 138 - Replacing rubber mounts on both tension struts (AWD)





Special tools required:
- 31 3 031 31 3 030 Press-In and Press-Out Tool
- 31 3 032 31 3 030 Press-In and Press-Out Tool





Important!
The rubber mounts on both tension struts must be replaced! Note that the rubber mounts may only be changed once.





Carry out check:
There must always be a minimum amount of play in the guide joint.

1. Check guide joint play
Note: For this purpose, apply light pressure to the tension strut (in the area of the guide joint) in the horizontal and vertical directions.
- Play is OK: Check bolt connection (see Point 2)
- Play is not OK: Replace rubber mount and guide joint Removing and Installing/Replacing Guide Joint in Swivel Bearing (4WD)
2. Check bolt connection (tension strut to guide joint) by tightening to 60% of tightening torque 31 12 20AZ Control Arms and Struts (Front) and listening for cracking sound
- Torque wrench cracking sound: Replace rubber mount
- Bolt connection turns: Replace tension strut and guide joint





Replacing rubber mount:

Remove both tension struts Removing and Installing/Replacing Left or Right Tension Strut (AWD).





Important!
If the tension struts already feature an identification mark with a center punch, it is necessary to replace both tension struts.

Mark tension struts with a punch mark in area (A).





Using a press and special tools 31 3 031 31 3 030 Press-In and Press-Out Tool and 31 3 032 31 3 030 Press-In and Press-Out Tool, press rubber mount out of tension strut.

Note:
Special tool 31 3 031 31 3 030 Press-In and Press-Out Tool must be exactly flush with rubber mount bushing.





Installation Note:
Keep rubber mount and bushing in tension strut clean and free from grease.

Align rubber mount by way of arrow to marking on tension strut and press in. The deviation (A) must not exceed ± 5°.





Installation Note:
Protrusion (A) equally large.