Strut Assembly Removal and Installation

REMOVAL

1. Remove the brake caliper and tie it to the body with wire. Refer to Front Brake Disc/Caliper Removal and Installation.

* Do not disconnect the brake hose. Otherwise, the air must be bled from the system after assembly.

2. Remove the ABS cables and the brake pad wear sensor from their clips. Disconnect the connectors in the junction box.
3. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the stabilizer bar by removing the nut. Hold the stabilizer bar with a wrench to prevent it from turning.

4. Disconnect the steering tie rod ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Parking Brake Cable Removal and Installation.
5. Check whether the factory strut alignment mark is visible. If not, paint a stripe that continues the gap of the support bearing.

6. Place a floor jack under the strut assembly to keep it from falling after it is separated.
7. Remove the strut mounting nut and withdraw the bolt.

8. Spread the slot of the steering knuckle and hold its position. Workshops use special tool BMW-31-2-200.
9. Remove the strut cover.

10. Disconnect the electronic damping control connector, if equipped, and remove the cable cover.
11. Remove the three mounting nuts (arrows) of the strut mount.
12. Press down on the steering knuckle with a lever, for example a socket extension, to tilt the strut outward from the wheel housing.

* An assistant is required. Take care not to damage the wheel housing. Cover the fender with a cover (2). If necessary, remove the lower engine compartment cover, refer to Engine Compartment Lower Cover Removal and Installation.

13. Using a large screwdriver or pry bar, press the shock absorber out of the steering knuckle.

* Do not separate the strut from the steering knuckle by twisting it. This may cause radial scoring, which will damage the strut.

INSTALLATION

1. Insert the strut into the steering knuckle so that the marking aligns with the slot on the knuckle.
2. Carefully insert the strut into the wheel housing and tighten the upper mount to 20 N·m.
3. Connect the electronic damping control connector, if equipped, and close it with the cover.
4. Install the cover onto the strut mount.
5. Press the steering knuckle up against the stop with a floor jack. Pay attention to the marking on the strut.
6. Insert the clamp bolt and tighten it with a new self-locking nut to 80 N·m.
7. Install the tie rod at the steering knuckle, refer to Tie Rod End Removal and Installation.
8. Set the wheels straight.
9. Secure the stabilizer bar link with a new self-locking nut to 60 N·m.
10. Connect the ABS and brake pad wear sensor connector. Secure the connector in the holder.
11. Install the brake caliper, refer to Front Brake Disc/Caliper Removal and Installation.