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Shock absorber replaceRemove strut assembly Mount strut assembly in a vice. Do not over tighten the vice as it will only crush the tube, trapping the shock. Compress the assembly with a suitable spring compressor. Unless you are using BMW special tool 31 3 111, mount compressor so that it does not interfere with spring base or upper mount.
Remove cap from strut mount and remove nut. Do not open compressor, lift off compressed spring and mount assembly. Remove foam bump stop and plastic protective sleeve. Use a large set of pliers to remove the nut securing the shock in the housing. If strut has rust, the nut can be sometimes loosened easier by tapping around the outside of the housing with a hammer to shock loose some of the rust's hold. Slide the shock out. There should be a small amount of oil in the housing, this is normal. InstallationPour a small amount of ATF, light engine oil or hydraulic fluid into the strut housing and insert the shock. You cannot put too much oil in as it will simply be forced out as you install the shock. You may be surprised at how little oil is needed, so be prepared for a slight mess. Install nut to a minimum of 130 Nm ( 94 ft lbs.). If this is not tight enough, a clunk will be heard from the front end once only during each direction of movement. That is, moving in reverse will cause a single clunk, then moving in forward will make the same noise, once only, until the car is moved in reverse again. Check condition of bearing in strut mount, if any binding is felt, or if rubber is torn, replace the bearing. Rubber in mount is coated with a material that is prone to cracking, but has no bearing on the integrity of the mount itself, do not confuse what has the appearance of cracked paint, with a damaged mount. Install new foam bump stop and plastic shield if either has damage. Bump stop is critical to shock life. Install new spring cushions if they have been contaminated with oil. Mount lower spring cushion so that step fits into step on housing. Mount spring so that end fits into step in cushion Install large flat washer on top of shock Install shock mount, with top spring cushion in place. Rotate until spring end is seated in step. Install small washer, nut and cap. BMW special tool 31 3 115 is used to extend the length of the shock to ease its installation through the mount. If this tool is not available, the spring must be compressed as far as possible to allow the new shock to protrude from the mount. Torques
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