REPLACING FRONT SPRING STRUT SHOCK ABSORBER Important! A shock absorber must always be replaced with one having the same code K. It is only possible to determine whether shock absorbers have to be replaced by testing them with a shock tester in the car or in a shock absorber testing machine after removal. Also refer to Service Information 37 02 83 (177). | |
Remove spring strut assembly - see 31 31. Clamp spring strut in a vise with Special Tool 31 3 000. 31 31 000 | |
Compress coil spring with Special Tool 32 3 121/122/124. Important! Bottom spring coil must be secure in special tool and mount must bear all around. | |
Lift off end cap. Unscrew self-locking nut with Special Tool 31 3 170, while counterholding on the piston rod. Installation: Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque = 64 Nm. | |
Installed Order: 1 Self-locking nut 2 Washer with small diameter 3 Mount 4 Insulator - inside curved surface faces mount 5 Washer with large diameter 6 End cap | |
Installation: Check upper and lower spring rings, replacing if necessary. Ends of the coil spring must bear on the shoulders in the lower and upper spring retainers. | |
Installation: Check protective tube and rubber damper or rubber bellows, replacing if necessary. | |
Unscrew screw-on ring with Special Tool 31 3 150 or 31 3 180. Installation: Tightening torque = 130 Nm. | |
Pull out shock absorber (1). Installation: Remove old oil in spring strut pipe (2). Fill with engine oil (see Operating Fluids) before installation of new shock absorber. Oil volume: 20 to 25 cc. Engine oil serves the transmission of heat from the shock absorber to the spring strut pipe. Important! Single pipe gas pressure cartridges on the front axle, recognized on the piston rod diameter = at least 33 mm, must not be filled with colling oil. See Service Information of Gr. 37. Store shock absorbers standing upright only. If shock absorbers are stored laying down with their piston rods run in, they could cause a knocking noise when used in a car. Remedy: Store shock absorbers with run out piston rods standing upright and at room temperature for 24 hours. |