Rear Strut Assembly, Disassembling And Assembling - BMW 5251 Service Manual

Rear ~ u s ~ e n s i o n l
Rear strut assembly, disassembling and
assembling
Replace struts and coil springs in pairs only
Replacing the upper strut mount, spring or strut requires that
the strut assembly first be removed from the car, as described
earlier. Strut disassembly requires a spring compressor.
WARNING-
Do not attempt to disassemble the strut without a spring com-
pressor designed specifically for the job.
-
Remove strut assembly from car as described in Rear strut
assembly, removing bnd installing
4
Mount spring compressor (BMW special tools 31 3 340 and
31 3 350 or equivalent) in shop vice. Install correct-sized
spring retainers (A).
WARNING-
Do not attempt to disassemble the struts without a spring
compressor designed specifically for this job.
*
Prior to using the spring compressor checlc its opera-
tion. Do not use a spring compressor that is damaged.
Do not make any modifications to the spring compres-
sor.
Never use an impact wrench to compress or relieve
tension when using a spring compressor.
1
-
Place strut assembly coil spring in spring retainers. Com-
press spring until force on upper strut mount is relieved.
Remove strut top mount self-locking nut with BMW special
tool 31 2 21 0 while counterholding strut shaft with a box end
wrench.
-
Remove upper strut mount and related components. Sepa-
rate strut from spring.
NOTE-
Store the removed shock absorber upright Do not allow it to
lie horizontally or upside down for any length of time. If incor-
rect storage has occurred, place the shoclc absorber upright
with the rod fully extended for at least 24 hours.
-
Replace strut, rubber bumper, upper strut mount or spring,
as needed.
NOTE-
Relieve tension on spring compressor slowly and carefully.
Fit new spring in spring compressor so that one coil at
each end is outside spring retainer.