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.

REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT (REAR) SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE

IMPORTANT: Driving without the suspension cross-brace is not permitted. (risk of damage to the body).

Release expanding rivets (1) and remove cover (2).

Installation note:

Replace damaged expanding rivets.

Holders (3) must snap into place in suspension cross-brace when cover (2) is installed.

Fig. 55: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Expanding Rivets, Cover And Holders (51 71 345)

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ.

Remove suspension cross-brace (2).

Installation note: Make sure suspension cross-brace (2) is in correct installation position.

Replace screws (1).

Fig. 56: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace With Screws (51 71 345)

REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT (REAR) SUSPENSION CROSS-BRACE

IMPORTANT: Driving without the suspension cross-brace is not permitted. (risk of damage to the body).

Release expanding rivets (1) and remove cover (2).

Installation note: Replace damaged expanding rivets.

Holder of cover (2) must snap into place in suspension cross-brace during installation.

Fig. 57: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace Expanding Rivets, Cover And Holders (51 71 346)

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 51 61 1AZ.

Remove suspension cross-brace (2).

Installation note: Make sure suspension cross-brace (2) is in correct installation position.

Replace screw (1).

Fig. 58: Identifying Suspension Cross-Brace With Screws (51 71 346)

REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT

Necessary preliminary work

• Remove FRONT WHEEL.
• Remove upper wishbone from swivel bearing.
• Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM SPRING STRUT.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Secure spring strut against falling out.

Release screws (1).

Fig. 59: Identifying Screws

Installation note: Turn support bearing in direction of travel up to stop in clockwise direction and tighten.

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ.

Fig. 60: Turning Support Bearing

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Disconnect feed line (2) from mounting.

Fig. 61: Identifying Plug Connection And Feed Line

Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Release spring strut from wishbone (2).

Installation note: Replace self-locking nut.

F03: Replace screw and nut.

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Adhere to the assembly sequence.

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ.

Fig. 62: Identifying Wishbone With Nut

Remove spring strut downwards out of wheel arch.

Fig. 63: Identifying Spring Strut

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