Removal and installation the suspension strut spring (BMW 3 Series E21)

Removal

Remove the telescopic stand.

Remove the cap from the strut rod mounting nut and compress the strut spring with tool 31 3 110 so that the telescopic strut mounting nut can be unscrewed.

Unload the strut spring and remove the mounting cup.

Check the condition of the compression buffer and protective cover and replace them if necessary.

Installation

Make sure the knurled pin is in the rubber bushing socket of the strut mounting cup.

Check the condition of the support rings in the spring support cup and the strut mounting cup and replace them if necessary.

Replace the upper strut cushion if necessary.

Install the strut spring by directing the flange of washer 2 (see photo) towards the retaining ring 4.



Before tightening the strut rod mounting nut all the way, correctly position the strut spring in the upper and lower support cups (the ends of the spring should fit into the grooves of the cups).

Warning: If the rubber bushings of the support cups are to be replaced, new bushings of 20 mm thickness must be installed for unmarked strut springs on vehicles of the "320" and "323i" models, and on the "323i" with strut springs with red marks, the thickness of the bushing of the upper support cup must be equal to 26 mm, the lower support cup - 20 mm.