Removal and installation gas-filled bonnet/trunk lid strut (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. Open the hood/trunk lid and support it.

If the gas strut is not removed, it cannot hold the lid in the open position.

2. Trunk lid: Remove the lock washer "1" from the side. At the bottom, use a screwdriver to slightly remove the spring clip "2" without removing it, and press the gas-filled strut away from the ball head.

The stop is under load.

3. Hood: Disconnect the stop from the top and bottom of the ball joints by using a screwdriver to slightly remove the spring clips without removing them.

The gas-filled strut is under load.

Installation

4. Insert the locking bracket "1" from the edge into the stop slot.

5. Place the stop on the ball joint using a screwdriver and fully insert the locking bracket into the slot.



6. Trunk lid: Insert the stop from above the trunnion and install the retaining spring from the side.

Disposal of gas-filled strut

If a gas-filled thrust is being replaced, the old thrust must be degassed before disposal. To do this, the thrust must be clamped in a vice at X = 50 mm.

The stop must be clamped precisely in this place, otherwise there is a danger! Then it is necessary to saw through the cylinder in the first third of its total length, counting from the base edge on the side of the rod. To collect the spilled oil, the cutting area must be covered with a rag. In addition, it is necessary to use protective glasses during cutting.

[The original text is available on the website: bmwman.ru]