How to change rear shock absorbers on BMW E36 – replacement guide
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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 is,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 td,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 tds,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 tds,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 328 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318 is
…
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The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
How to change rear shock absorber on BMW E36 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for 3 Saloon (E36) and other BMW models
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC:
Both shock absorbers of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW E36 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
Step 1
Open the boot lid.
Step 2
Remove the clips of the boot side lining. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 3
Detach the boot side lining.
Step 4
Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 5
Loosen the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 6
Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 7
Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 8
Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
Step 9
Unscrew the wheel bolts.
AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E36
Step 10
Remove the wheel.
Step 11
Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 12
Clean the shock absorber fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 13
Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E36 – To avoid injury, hold the shock absorber while unscrewing the fastening bolts.
Step 14
Remove the fastening bolt.
Step 15
Remove the shock absorber.
Step 16
Clean the shock absorber mounting seats. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 17
Grip the shock absorber in a vice.
Step 18
Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 19
Remove the shock absorber piston rod fastening. Use a shock absorber socket DD№6. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 20
Remove the shock absorber upper mount.
Step 21
Remove the shock absorber dust boot and bump stop.
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary. Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
Step 22
Install the dust boot and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
Step 23
Install the shock absorber upper mount.
Step 24
Tighten the shock absorber rod nut. Use a drive socket #16. Use a shock absorber socket DD№6 Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 37 nm torque.
Step 25
Release the vice and take out the shock absorber.
Step 26
Treat the shock absorber rod fastener. Use copper grease.
Step 27
Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and secure it.
AUTODOC recommends:
BMW E36 – To avoid injury, hold the shock absorber while screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 28
Install the fastening bolt.
Step 29
Screw the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Do not tighten it.
Step 30
Raise the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.
Step 31
Tighten the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 100 Nm torque.
Step 32
Remove the support from under the arm.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E36. Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 33
Treat the shock absorber fasteners. Use copper grease.
Step 34
Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.
Step 35
Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 36
Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: shock absorbers – BMW E36. After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 37
Install the wheel.
AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts on the car. BMW E36
Step 38
Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 39
Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 40
Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 41
Tighten the top shock absorber fastening. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 24 Nm torque.
Step 42
Treat the shock absorber fasteners. Use copper grease.
Step 43
Attach the side lining of the boot.
Step 44
Install the clips of the boot side lining.
Step 45
Close the lid of the luggage compartment.
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