31 33 100 Removing and Installing/Replacing Coil Spring For Front Left or Right Spring Strut (Standard Suspension)

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Special tools required:

31 2 200
31 3 341
31 3 352

WARNING: Observe the following instructions to avoid any risk of injury by the coil springs.

Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
These special tools are intended solely for the purpose of tightening and relieving cylindrical and tapered suspension springs.
Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
Impact screwdrivers may not be used!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.
Observe manufacturer's instructions.

IMPORTANT: Both coil springs on the relevant axle must be replaced only in the event of corrosion breakage!

NOTE: The coil spring is assigned after the vehicle identification number has been entered and the optional extras of the relevant vehicle selected (refer to electronic spare parts catalog).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front spring strut . See 31 31 000 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. See 31 2 200 EXPANDER TOOL

Pull spring strut out of swivel bearing.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 200)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 , align by means of gap to web on back of spring strut and push together as far as it will go. See 31 2 200 EXPANDER TOOL

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ. See 31 31 SPRING STRUTS

Removing:

Clamp special tool 31 3 341 with guide (1) in vice.

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

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

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 352) & (31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 352 when tensioned!
Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

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

Compress coil spring until stress on piston rod is relieved.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (31 3 352) & (31 3 341)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Remove joint seat, support bearing, upper spring plate with spring pad and thrust washer.

Remove spring strut with auxiliary damper, gaiter and lower spring pad sideways from tensioned coil spring.

Fig 4: Removing Spring Strut With Auxiliary Damper

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Relieve tension on coil spring.

Remove coil spring from special tools 31 3 352.

Fig 5: Identifying Tension On Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembly:

WARNING: Coils of coil spring must be located completely in recesses of special tools 31 3 352 when tensioned!
Do not compress coil spring to full extent.

Insert coil spring in special tools 31 3 352.

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

Tension coil spring.

Fig 6: Identifying Tension On Coil Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check auxiliary damper (1), gaiter (2) and lower spring pad (3) for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig 7: Identifying Auxiliary Damper With Gaiter & Lower Spring Pad

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert spring strut in tensioned coil spring and align to end of coil spring using lower spring pad.

Attach thrust washer and upper spring plate with spring pad to piston rod.

Check support bearing for damage, replace if necessary.

Attach support bearing and joint seat to piston rod.

Replace self-locking nut and screw on as far as possible to avoid damaging the piston rod when relieving tension on the coil spring.

Relieve tension on coil spring slightly.

Fig 8: Removing Spring Strut With Auxiliary Damper

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Make sure that lower and upper coils of coil spring rest completely in recess of spring plate.

Tighten down nut (gripping piston rod in the process).

Tightening torque 31 31 2AZ. See 31 31 SPRING STRUTS

Fully 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. See 32 00... TROUBLESHOOTING AFTER WHEEL/CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK ON FRONT AXLE