Disassemble/Assemble Front Strut Assembly

REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBER FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SPRING STRUT

Shock absorbers must be tested either with a shock absorber tester in car or after removal with a shock absorber testing machine, in order to determine whether a shock absorber has to be replaced.




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




Mount Special Tool 31 3 116 on the mount.




Compress coil spring with Special Tool 31 3 111.

Important!
Pins of mount and Special Tool 31 3 116 must be in openings.




Unscrew self-locking nut with Special Tool 31 3 170, counterholding on piston rod.

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




Take off washer.
Screw in Special Tool 31 3 115 the whole length of threads.
Release the coil spring.




Take off mount (4), support (6), coil spring (8) and rubber damper (9) on shock absorber (7).

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




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


Note: The following procedures are for non-EDC III struts only!




Unscrew screw-on ring with Special Tool 31 3 150.

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




Pull out shock absorber (1).

Installation:
Remove old oil in spring strut pipe (2).
Fill with engine oil prior to installation of new shock absorber.
Engine oil is required to carry off heat from the shock absorber to the spring strut pipe.

Important!
Gas pressure front axle cartridges 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 a rattling noise when used in the car again.

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