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.
E32, E34, E38, E39: In the case of rear spring struts with ride-height control, there is always a slight oil spillage on the piston rod. These spring struts are permitted to be wet with oil over a maximum of half the shock absorber length on the outer tube, i.e. they are permitted to "sweat".
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.
READ NEXT:
Removing And Installing/Replacing Rear Left Or Right Shock Absorber
NOTE: Read and comply with Information on replacing shock
absorbers.
Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:
IMPORTANT: Handle the spring strut with care so as to avoid damaging
the control unit
Replacing Rear Left Or Right Thrust Bearing For Spring Strut/Shock
Absorber
Necessary preliminary tasks:
Remove rear shock absorber.
Unscrew nut (1).
Remove joint disc (2), support bearing upper section (3) and support bearing
flange (4).
Installation:
Insert support bea
Springs With Suspension
MEASURING RIDE-LEVEL HEIGHT OF VEHICLE
Necessary preliminary tasks:
Move vehicle into normal position.
Determine actual ride height (A) - to do so, attach tape measure to rim
flange (2) at bottom
SEE MORE:
Front Axle Overview
Fig. 3: Front Axle Overview
Overview of front differential/output shafts
Front axle support
Stabiliser
Tension strut / rubber mount
Stabilizer link
Layout of spring strut shock absorber
Reinforcement plate
Upper control arm
Swivel bearing
Wheel bearing
Spring strut holder
Lower contro
Rear Lid
REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR LID UPPER SECTION
Read contents of Body, General.
Necessary preliminary tasks:
Remove spoiler.
Remove trims on rear lid upper section.
Disconnect all cable plug connections and pull wiring harness out of
rear lid.
Remove both gas-filled struts.
NOTE: This work
