BMW X5: Information On Replacing Shock Absorbers

Facts:

When a shock absorber is faulty on one side (leaking, noises, limit values exceeded on the shock tester), often both shock absorbers on the axle in question are replaced.

Consequence:

This is not necessary for technical reasons and causes the manufacturer not to recognize the unnecessarily removed shock absorbers as damaged parts. Unnecessarily high costs for the customer can be avoided by replacing the shock absorber on one side only.

Procedure:

Shock absorbers may be replaced on one side only until they have completed 50 000 km service.

Exception: On all M-GmbH models, when a limit value is exceeded on one side, it is still necessary always to replace both shock absorbers on the relevant axle.

REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COMPLETE FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT HOLDER

Special tools required:

• 31 2 230
• 31 5 220

WARNING: Danger to life! Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform.
• Remove front wheel.
• Remove stabilizer link from swivel bearing.

Secure special tool 31 5 220 to drive flange with wheel studs. Support swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 220 and workshop jack.

Fig. 64: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 220)

Unfasten nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Installation:

Keep control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Note insertion direction of screw.

Screw must rest correctly in groove of ball stud.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque.

Fig. 65: Identifying Screw And Nut

IMPORTANT: To be able to lower the swivel bearing far enough, it is necessary to align the output shaft so that one of the marked surfaces (1) points upwards.

Fig. 66: Identifying Output Shaft Marked Surfaces

Release bolt (2) and remove with holder (1).

Expand spring strut holder (3) with special tool 31 2 230.

Release nut (5) and remove screw (4).

Lower swivel bearing until spring strut holder (3) is below spring strut.

Remove spring strut holder (3), taking care not to damage the output shaft.

Installation:

Keep spring strut holder to spring strut connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management: Align spring strut holder by way of gap to positioning pin on back of spring strut.

Release bolt (4) and nut (5).

Note insertion direction of bolt (4).

Tighten down first bolt (4) and then bolt (2) in normal position.

Tighten spring strut to lower control arm.

Tightening torque.

Fig. 67: Identifying Holder, Nut, Bolt And Special Tool (31 2 230)

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