Removal and installation the rear shock absorber strut (BMW 5 Series E39)

Note: Instructions for removing the shock absorber and coil spring are given at the end of the chapter.

Caution: For vehicles with air suspension, it is necessary to remove fuse #6 of the air compressor supply circuit. This prevents unwanted control action of the system.

Removal

Remove the rear shelf, see page 145.

Remove the 2 speaker mounting screws, disconnect the plug and remove the speaker.

Mark the position of the rear wheels relative to the hubs with paint. This will allow the balanced wheel to be installed in its original position. When unscrewing the wheel bolts, the car must stand on its wheels. Raise the car from behind and remove the rear wheels.

Remove the wheel arch trim.



Lift the insulating mat next to the seat belt retractor. Remove the rubber cover from the top of the shock absorber strut and unscrew the 3 nuts.

For a car with EOS (shock absorber stiffness control system) disconnect the plug connector.

Support the wheel hub bracket using a wooden block and a garage jack.

Caution: If this is not done, the shock absorber will fall down after releasing the upper mount. The fall may damage the driveshaft and brake hose.

Loosen the shock absorber mount to the wheel hub bracket.

Lower the wheel hub bracket slightly and remove the shock absorber strut.

Caution: The brake hose must not be subject to stretching.

Attention: The shock absorber must be stored in a vertical position only, otherwise it may cause rattling noises during operation. Troubleshooting: Before installation, the shock absorber with the piston rod extended and in a vertical position must be kept for 24 hours at room temperature (+20°C).

Installation

Check the shock absorber.

Insert the shock absorber strut and screw it on at the top with new self-locking nuts, without tightening the fastening too much.

Insert bushing "1" into the wheel hub bracket to secure the shock absorber strut. Screw in the hexagonal head bolt, but do not tighten it.

Tighten the rack mount at the top to a torque of 20 Nm.

Remove the garage jack.

Tighten the rear wheel mounting bolts. Do not lubricate the wheel bolts. Position the wheels so that the marks made before removal match. Lower the car and tighten the wheel bolts crosswise to 100 Nm.

Bring the car to a normal position, that is, it should stand on all wheels and should be loaded to in accordance with the instructions.



Tighten the lower shock absorber strut mounting bolt to a torque of 125 Nm.

For vehicles with EDC, connect the plug connector.

Install the rubber cover onto the top of the shock absorber.

Place the speaker, connect the plug and screw the speaker in place.

Install the rear shelf in place.

Assembling the shock absorber strut

Please note: The shock absorber and coil spring are removed and installed in the same way as front axle.

When assembling the rear axle shock absorber strut, it is necessary to ensure that the stud "1" of the thrust bearing housing is located in the same plane with the axis of the hole in the rubber support "2", which should be opposite the bushing in the wheel hub bracket.

Tighten the nut on the piston rod to secure the thrust bearing to a torque of 25 Nm.