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

Early model cars

Removal

Remove the rear seat and backrest.

Raise the vehicle and support the trailing arms.



Disconnect the shock absorber strut from the trailing arm.

Note: The shock absorber strut has an additional function of a travel limiter tape.

Ride height adjustment:

• Disconnect the cable connection from the low pressure switch and short it.
• Turn on the ignition.
• Remove the adjusting rod. Unscrew the nut, holding the collar with an 8 mm wrench.

Caution: Due to possible damage, do not separate the ball joint.

Set the adjustment switch lever to the "lower" position. This will release the pressure in the system after 20 seconds.

Remove the pipe from the shock absorber strut.



Remove the shock absorber strut from the trailing arm.



Unscrew the centering cup from the top of the wheel well.



Remove the shock absorber strut.

Installation

Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.

Replacing the rear shock absorber

When replacing shock absorbers, always install shock absorbers with the same designation. Shock absorbers are always replaced in pairs.

Remove the rear shock absorber.

Remove the protective cap from above.

Remove the spring with the tool.

Unscrew the nut (2). Remove the hinge cup.



Release the spring.

Remove the spring centering cup and additional spring.

Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of removal.

Cars of later years of production

Caution: On vehicles with air suspension, remove fuse #6 of the air supply system. This prevents accidental adjustment of the system.

Removal

Remove the shelf under the rear window.

Loosen the two speaker mounting screws, disconnect the plug and remove the speaker.

Mark the position of the rear wheels on the hubs so that you can later install the balanced wheels in their original positions. Loosen the wheel bolts with the car on the ground. Support the car from behind and remove the rear wheels.

Remove the wheel arch trim.

Lift the carpet next to the automatic seat belt tensioner. Pull the rubber cover off the top of the shock absorber and remove the three nuts.





For vehicles with EDC (electronic suspension control) disconnect the plug.

Support the wheel holder with a jack, placing a wooden block underneath.

Caution: If you do not do this, the shock absorber will fall down after unscrewing the upper mount. This may damage the axle shaft and brake hose.

Loosen the nut and disconnect the shock absorber strut from the wheel holder.



Lower the wheel holder slightly and remove the stand.

Caution: The brake hose must not be stretched.

Note: The shock absorber must be stored vertically only, otherwise rattling sounds may occur later when driving. To eliminate the problem, pull out the piston rod and keep the shock absorber in a standing position for 24 hours at room temperature (+20°C).

Installation

Check the shock absorber. Insert the shock absorber strut and screw a new self-locking nut on top, without tightening it.

Insert the bushing (1) of the lower shock absorber mount into the wheel mount. Screw in the bolt without tightening it yet.

Tighten the upper nut of the shock absorber strut to a torque of 20 Nm.

Remove the jack and lower the vehicle.

Install the wheel arch trim.

Install the rear wheels according to the marks made earlier. Do not lubricate the wheel bolts. Lower the car. Tighten the wheel bolts crosswise to 100 Nm.

Place the vehicle in the working position, i.e. the vehicle must stand on its wheels and be loaded as described earlier.

Tighten the lower mounting bolt to 125 Nm. For vehicles with the EDC system, connect the plug.

Put on the rubber cap.

Install the speaker, put on the plug and secure the speaker with screws.

Install a shelf under the rear window.



The article text was copied from an online resource: bmwman.ru