Replacing Front Left or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber (High)

Replacing Front Left Or Right Spring Strut Shock Absorber (High)

Note: Whether a spring strut has to be replaced can only be ascertained b) testing while it is installed with a shock tester or while it is removed with a shock absorber test machine, refer to Suspension Specifications; refer to Technical Service Bulletins.

Remove brake caliper (brake line remains connected) and tie it up onto the body, refer to Brakes and Traction Control; Disc Brake System.
Unclip ABS and brake wear cable from bracket and disconnect from connection box.





Remove stabilizer link.

Installation:
Replace self-locking nut. Tightening Torque, refer to Suspension Specifications.
Unfasten nut.





Press off track rod with special tool 31 2 240.

Installation:
Use washer (1). Tapered spigot and bore both free of grease. Replace self-locking nut.
Brace on hexagon socket if necessary.
Tightening Torque, refer to Steering Specifications.





Mark the installation position of the spring strut tube (1) in the swivel bearing (2) with paint - never mark with scribing tool. Marking is not required if the factory mark is still identifiable.
R installation position of right spring strut tube
L installation position of left spring strut tube





Version with factory marking above the swivel bearing.
Unfasten nut.





Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 200.

Installation:
Press swivel bearing upwards to stop with workshop hoist and note marking of installation position.
Replace self-locking nut. Tightening Torque, refer to Suspension Specifications.





Lift up cap.
If applicable, disconnect plug connection on Electronic Damper Control and remove cap from cable.
Remove spring strut shock absorber thrust bearing from wheel arch.

Installation:
Tightening Torque, refer to Suspension Specifications.

Caution! Do not damage wheel arch.

With assistance of a second person, remove spring strut shock absorber.





Do not damage wheel arch - use protective cover (2).
Press swivel bearing down with a lever (1) (e.g. socket wrench extension) until the spring strut shock absorber can be tilted outwards from wheel arch.
If necessary, remove engine shielding.

Caution! Do not release spring strut from swivel bearing with rotary motions.





With a screwdriver or pry bar, press spring strut shock absorber out of swivel bearing.

Caution! Do not unfasten spring strut shock absorber from swivel bearing with turning motion - this can cause damage (radial notches) to the spring strut shock absorber.





Clamp special tool 31 3 121 on its guide (1) in the vise.

Caution! Each of the spring holders 31 3 123 must be secured with a screw (2).

Lay the protective inserts 31 3 128 in the spring holder 31 3 123 to prevent damage to the spring surface.

Warning! Each of the spring holders 31 3 123 must be secured with a screw (2).

Position coil spring between spring holders so that





1. lower spring end (1) aligns with end (2) of spring holder;
2. 3 coils lie between spring holders.

Warning! When tensioned, the spring coils must rest completely in the spring holder recess.

The special tool 31 3 121 must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver.
Only tighten down the coil springs until stress on the thrust bearing is relieved.
The coils may not be tensioned on a block.
Only untighten the nut if both spring coils are completely inserted in the spring holder recess! If necessary, repeat the tensioning process





Brace with open ring spanner and unfasten nut with special tool 31 2 210 or with open-end socket tool (width across flats 24).
Remove spring strut.
If a new coil spring is installed, observe Notes 1. .. 3!
Note 1: Release special tool 31 3 121 and remove coil spring.
The special tool must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver.
Note 2:
Mount new coil spring in special tool 31 3 121 with larger spring diameter at bottom.
Note 3:
Position coil spring between spring holders so that





1. lower spring end (1) lies below spring holder;
2. lower spring end (1) aligns with end (2) of spring holder;
3. 3 coils lie between spring holders.

Warning! When being clamped in the upper and lower spring holders, the spring coils must be completely inserted in the recess.

The special tool 31 3 121 must not be tightened or untightened with an impact screwdriver.
The coils may not be tensioned on a block.
Check rubber gaiter, auxiliary spring and spring washers and replace if necessary.





Note installation sequence, refer to image.





Ends of coil spring must be located in shoulders of spring retainers.





Replace self-locking nut and tighten with special tool 31 2 210 or with open-end socket tool (width across flats 24) while bracing with open ring spanner.
Tightening Torque, refer to Suspension Specifications.

Caution! Never open up the special tool to a point where the spring holders make contact with the lower spring plate, the upper spring coil and/or the support bearing. Failure to comply with this can damage the special tool and/or the spring.





Only relieve tension on special tool until spring coils can move freely.
Remove spring strut.

Note: If the special tool malfunctions (nut/clamping pin breakage), the tension can be safely removed from the coil spring with the "emergency actuation".





Remove cap (1).
Actuate thread spindle (2) with hexagon socket screw key.

Caution! Only RELEASING is permitted!