Disassembling the shock absorber strut and shock absorber / Removing and installing the coil spring (BMW 3 Series E36)

Note: For checking the shock absorber, see the relevant subsection.

Springs and shock absorbers on the same axle are replaced only in pairs. In this case, new parts with the same BMW number as the removed parts must be identified. The BMW number is stamped on the end of the spring on springs, on shock absorbers on the front side under the spring cup.

Removal

Remove the shock absorber strut.

To remove the shock absorber, it is necessary to compress the coil spring. Compress the spring with a special device.

Caution: Loosen the shock absorber nut only when the spring is compressed.

Clamp the shock absorber strut in a vice and press the spring with an appropriate clamping device.

Caution: When installing the clamping device lugs into the spring coil, make sure that they grip the coils securely and that the device cannot jump off the spring. The spring must be compressed from 3 opposite sides. The coil spring is strongly compressed, so only use a powerful clamping device. Never tighten the spring with wire. Risk of injury!

Attention: Loosen the fastening nut only when the spring is compressed.

Remove the cap.

Loosen the nut with a bent open-end wrench, while holding the piston rod from turning.

Remove the spacer washer.

Remove the thrust bearing, see pictures.

Remove the washer, the upper spring cup with the gasket, and the spring.

Note: If you only need to replace the spring, slowly unload it. If you only need to replace the shock absorber, the spring remains compressed.

Remove the protective tube, as well as the plastic spring or rubber bellows.

Unscrew the threaded ring and remove the shock absorber.

Remove old oil from the shock absorber cup.

Caution: Store the shock absorber only in the standing position. When storing the shock absorber with the piston rod retracted in the lying position after installing the shock absorber on the car, knocking may occur. If necessary, store the shock absorber with the shock absorber extended at room temperature for no more than 24 hours.

Installation

The shock absorber cannot be removed separately from the shock absorber strut tube; when replacing it, the entire tube with the lower spring cup must be replaced.

Assemble the shock absorber strut in accordance with drawings W 3638 or W 3639, depending on the model. Ensure that the coil spring fits correctly on the surfaces of the upper and lower spring cups.

Tighten the new self-locking nut to 45 Nm while holding the piston rod from turning.

Put on the cap.

Install the shock absorber strut.

(The original text of the article is available on the resource: «bmwman»)