BMW 7 Series: Information On Replacing Shock Absorbers

Situation

When a shock absorber is faulty on one side (leaking, noises, etc.), often both shock absorbers on the axle in question are replaced.

Effect

This is not necessary for technical reasons and causes the manufacturer not to recognize the unnecessarily removed shock absorbers as defective parts. Unnecessarily high costs for the customer can be avoided by replacing the shock absorber on one side only.

Procedure

If one shock absorber is damaged, it is only necessary to replace both shock absorbers when the car has driven in excess of 80 000 km.

Exception: On all M-GmbH models, when a limit value is exceeded on one side, it is still necessary always to replace both shock absorbers on the relevant axle.

INSTRUCTIONS (CHASSIS COMPONENTS MADE OF ALUMINIUM)

Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of aluminium, always comply with the following points when handling aluminium components:

• Do not bring into contact with battery acid!
• Do not clean with wire brushes made of brass or iron! Always use wire brushes with stainless steel bristles!
• Do not expose to flying sparks when grinding/separating! Cover components!
• Do not strike with steel welding splashes! Cover components!
• Do not expose to temperatures > 80ºC, even for brief periods! Temperatures in paint facilities do not have the same impact

LIFTING VEHICLE WITH A VEHICLE HOIST

WARNING: Danger to life! Read and follow operating instructions for lifting platform.

Do not exceed carrying capacity of lifting platform.

NOTE: The lifting platform must comply with the relevant statutory accident prevention regulations and be serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Before driving onto a lifting platform, make sure there is sufficient ground clearance between the lifting platform and the car.

The vehicle may only be raised with the lifting platform at the four jacking points.

Necessary preliminary tasks

• If necessary, remove jacking points from equipment pack and insert from below into openings in front and rear sill areas

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Align support plates (2) of lifting platform arms to jacking points (1) in such a way that no adjoining components are touched and thereby damaged.

Fig. 3: Identifying Lifting Platform Arms Support Plates On Jacking Point

MOBILE TABLE LIFT

WARNING: Danger of injury! Before beginning work, position table lift with the lower frame securely on the floor.

Danger area around mechanism below platform.

• Do not reach into or step into the danger area.
• Note permissible bearing capacity of table lift.
• Mount load centrally (danger of tipping) and secure against shifting.

Follow the operating instructions from the equipment manufacturer.

The mobile table lift is used for collision repairs and when removing large engines.

Adaptations for mounting front axle with engine and transmission.

ADAPTATIONS FOR MOUNTING FRONT AXLE WITH ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Fig. 4: Adaptations For Mounting Front Axle With Engine And Transmission

Fig. 5: Identifying Working Plates

Release star knob screw on working plate (B) of table lift; the working surface (B) can be extended by approx. 310 mm.

Release all push-pull clamps and the working plates can be shifted by approx. 20 mm.

Working plate (A and B) can be raised and lowered by 3º on the long side and by 5º on the transverse side.

Working plate (A and B) is subdivided by a coordinate system and a possible installation position is recommended in the respective repair manual.

IMPORTANT: Follow the operating instructions from the equipment manufacturer.

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