Disassemble/Assemble Front Strut Assembly

REPLACING FRONT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER




Important!
Always replace shock absorbers with ones having same code K.
To know whether shock absorbers have to be replaced check installed absorbers with a "Shock Tester" or removed in an absorber testing machine.




Remove spring strut assembly. Removing/Installing Front Spring Strut Assembly
Take up spring strut in a vise with Special Tool 31 3 000.




Set up Special Tool 31 3 116 on mount.




All Wheel Drive Cars:
Set up Special Tool 31 3 117 on mount.




Compress coil spring with Special Tool 31 3 111

Important!
Pins must fit in openings.




Lift off cap.
Unscrew self-locking nut with Special Tool 31 3 170 - counterholding on the piston rod.

Installation:
Replace self-locking nut.
Tightening torque. 65 Nm (47 ft lb)




Take off washer (2).
Screw in Special Tool 31 3 115 entire length of threads.
Release and take off special tool compressor.




Take off mount.
Installed Order:
1 Self-locking nut
2 Washer with small diameter
3 Mount
4 insulator
5 Washer with large diameter
6 Cap
Inside curved surface of insulator (4) faces mount.




Lift off upper spring retainer with rubber ring and coil spring.

Installation:
Check upper and lower rubber rings, replacing if necessary.
Ends of coil spring must rest on shoulders in lower and upper spring retainers.




Installation:
Check protective tube and rubber damper or rubber bellows, replacing if necessary.




Unscrew screwed-on ring with Special Tool 31 3 150 or 31 3 180.

Installation:
Tightening torque. 130 Nm (94 ft lb)




Pull out shock absorber (1).

Installation:
Remove old oil from spring strut tube (2). Fill new shock absorber with engine oil prior to installing. Engine oil will carry off heat from shock absorber to the spring strut tube.

Imporfant!
Single-pipe gas pressure cartridges, recognized on piston rod diameter of at least 33 mm (1.299") may not be installed with oil.

Only store shock absorbers standing upright. If shock absorbers are stored laying down with their piston rods run in, this could cause rattling or knockrig noise when used in car again.

Remedy:
Store shock absorbers in upright posilion with piston rods run out at room temperature for 24 hours.




M 3 with EDC:
Install bolts (1) with a bolt cement.