31 31 003 Removing and Installing Complete Front Left or Right Spring Strut

31 31 003 Removing and installing complete front left or right spring strut (AWD)

Special tools required:





Important!
If the centering pin is missing from the support bearing, the position of the studs to the wheel arch must be marked so that the original camber is approximately maintained.
Only one nut may ever be released for marking.

Necessary preliminary tasks:
^ Remove brake disc





^ Remove stabilizer link from spring strut
^ Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing
^ Remove guide joint from swivel bearing
^ Remove control arm from swivel bearing





Warning!
Risk of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.

When supporting components, make sure that
^ the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
^ the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Secure special tool 31 5 220 with wheel studs to drive flange and support swivel bearing with workshop jack.








Unclip line for brake pad sensor on swivel bearing.

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

Installation:
Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ.





Important!
Risk of damage!
When the swivel bearing is lowered, the tripod (2) can be pulled out of the tulip (1) and fall into the rubber gaiter (3). In this event, it will be necessary to install a new output shaft because the tripod (2) can jam or a roller of the tripod (2) can slip off the moulding. The roller would then be located in the gaiter (3) or bellows and result in rapid failure.





Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Carefully lower swivel bearing.

Installation:
Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.





Installation:
Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by way of gap to positioning pins (1) on back of spring strut and raise up to stop.





Centering pin missing: Make position of studs in relation to wheel arch.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Installation:
Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Align spring strut using centering pin to bore in wheel arch or studs to wheel arch and push upwards.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ.





Important!
Replace faulty sealing washer (1).
Reinstall sealing washer (1) and plate insert (2).





After installation:
^ Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.