Replacing Front Left or Right Spring Strut (Standard Suspension)

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





Special tools required:
- 31 2 200 31 2 200 Expander Tool
- 31 3 340 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner
- 31 3 341 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner
- 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder





Note:
Version with EDC:

- In a warranty case you must always provide a fault memory printout, even where there is no fault memory entry, with the defective part.
- Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers. Information on Replacing Shock Absorbers





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 Left or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber





Release nut and remove holder for brake hose, pulse generator and if necessary brake pad sensor.

Remove screw towards front.

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 200 31 2 200 Expander Tool.

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

Installation:
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 2 200 31 2 200 Expander Tool, align by means of gap to web 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 with guide (1) in vice.

Fit special tool 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder from above on special tool 31 3 341 31 3 340 Spring Tensioner until locking pins (2) can be felt and heard to snap into place.

Check seating of special tools 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder, correct if necessary.





Clean coil spring to remove all coarse dirt and mount on special tools 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Warning!
Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder when tensioned!

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.





Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Remove joint seat, support bearing, spring plate with bearing, spring pad and gaiter.





Remove shock absorber with thrust washer, auxiliary damper and spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

If necessary, remove thrust washer, auxiliary damper and spring pad from shock absorber.





Relieve tension on coil spring and remove from special tools 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder.





Assembly:

Accommodate coil spring with special tools 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Twist coil spring until lower end of coil spring (1) is flush with end (2) of special tool 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder.

Warning!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 352 31 3 350 Spring Holder!

Tension coil spring.





Check auxiliary damper and spring pad for damage, replace if necessary.

Note:
Align spring pad by way of recess to spring plate.

Insert shock absorber in tensioned coil spring.

Check support bearing, spring plate with bearing, spring pad and gaiter for damage, replace if necessary.





Attach spring plate with bearing and spring pad to piston rod.

Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach support bearing and joint seat to piston rod.

Replace nut and tighten down (gripping piston rod in so doing).

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





Important!
Upper coil of coil spring must rest positively on spring plate!

Lower end of coil spring must rest on stop of spring pad!

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.