Disassembling the shock absorber strut / shock absorber / removing and installing the coil spring (BMW 5 Series E39)

Note: When replacing the springs of one axle, always replace both springs. New BMW parts with the same numbers as those on the removed parts must be installed. The part number of the springs is located on the end.

Removal

Remove the shock absorber strut.



In order to remove the shock absorber, it is necessary to first compress the coil spring. The coil spring is compressed using a standard device, for example, HAZET 4900. The device for compressing the spring is clamped in a vice, as shown in the figure. Plastic pads from HAZET are used to protect the spring surfaces.

Caution: Never release the shock absorber mount when the spring is not compressed.

Caution: Insert the spring compressor jaws between the spring coils so that the coils are securely gripped and the jaws cannot slip off. The coil spring is compressed with great force, so use only a properly functioning tool. Never tie the spring with wire. Risk of accident!

Note: Compress the coil spring only enough to relieve the thrust bearing. Never compress the spring completely; its coils must not touch each other.

Loosen the retaining nut with a strongly bent ring spanner, while holding the shock absorber piston rod, depending on the version, either with a spanner with an external Allen key or an open ring spanner.

Note: To loosen the nut, it is necessary to apply a significant torque; if necessary, loosen the nut by hitting the wrench with a hammer. 1 - torque wrench, 2 - spring tensioner.

Remove the washer.

Remove the thrust bearing together with the sealing ring and lining washer.

Remove the upper plate and spring lining, as well as the spring itself, or remove the shock absorber from the spring.

Note: If only the spring is to be replaced, slowly release the spring. If only the shock absorber is to be replaced, leave the spring compressed.

Remove the plastic elastic element, the corrugated rubber cover and the lower spring plate.

Installation

The new coil spring is protected from corrosion by a pack. Before installation, check the integrity of the varnish coating and restore the coating if necessary.

Check the corrugated cover, plastic elastic element and lower spring lining for damage; replace damaged parts.

Place the shock absorber with the lower spring plate, plastic elastic element and corrugated cover into the compressed coil spring.

Assemble the shock absorber strut in accordance with Figures W-3B50 / W-3B51. When assembling, ensure that the coil spring fits against the shoulders of the upper and lower plates.

Tighten the new self-locking nut several turns.

Slowly loosen the coil spring until it rests against the plates. Ensure the lower spring plate is seated correctly (rectangular notches).

Tighten the fastening nut to a torque of 65 Nm (if there is an internal hexagon on the piston rod: 45 Nm), in this case, hold the piston rod from turning. To ensure the prescribed tightening torque value, the HAZET 2593-22 socket head and the HAZET 2927 holding device are used at the BMW service station.



Release the spring completely and remove the compression tool.

Install the shock absorber strut.