Shock absorber strut — removal and installation (BMW 7 Series E32)

Removal

Remove the brake caliper and hang it on a wire from the body.

Note: The brake hose remains connected, otherwise the brake hydraulic system will have to be bled later.

Unhook the ABS and brake pad wear sensor wires from the mountings and disconnect them.

Loosen the nut and remove the bar from the anti-roll bar, holding the stud with an open-end wrench.



Disconnect the steering tie rod joint from the steering knuckle arm.

Check if the factory marks indicating the position of the shock absorber strut are visible. If they are not visible, a mark should be applied that is a continuation of the support groove.



Support the shock absorber strut from below with a jack to prevent it from falling after removing the upper mounting nuts.



Loosen the lower shock absorber mount nut and remove the bolt.



Release the steering knuckle clamp and secure it in this position. A special device is used for this purpose in the workshop.

Pry up and remove the shock absorber housing cover.

If equipped, separate the electronic suspension control system plug connection at the shock absorber mount.

Unscrew the three mounting nuts on the housing where the shock absorber strut is attached.



Press the steering knuckle downwards using a lever (1), e.g. a socket extension, until the shock absorber strut is folded back so that it comes out of the wheel arch.

Caution: This job requires an assistant. Be careful not to damage the wheel arch. It is better to cover the fender with a protective cover (2). If necessary, remove the lower engine splash guard cover.

Use a large screwdriver or pry bar to push the shock absorber out of the steering knuckle.

Caution: Do not pull the strut out of the knuckle with a twisting motion. This may cause radial scratches that damage the shock absorber strut.

Installation

Insert the shock absorber strut into the steering knuckle so that the applied installation mark coincides with the groove in the steering knuckle.

Carefully insert the shock absorber strut into the wheel arch and tighten the nuts securing it to the housing to a torque of 20 Nm.

If equipped, connect the electronic suspension control system connector and replace the cap.

Install the cover onto the shock absorber housing.

Press the steering knuckle upwards with the jack until it stops, paying attention to the installation mark on the rack.

Insert the clamp bolt and tighten the new self-locking nut to 80 Nm.

Install the steering rod onto the steering knuckle.

Place the wheels in a straight-ahead position.

Install the stabilizer bars and tighten the new self-locking nuts to a torque of 60 Nm.

Connect the ABS and brake pad wear sensor wires and insert them into the clamps.



Install the brake caliper.