How to change front suspension strut on BMW E46 – replacement guide
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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 316 i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d
…
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The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
How to change shock absorber on BMW E46 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Use the following procedure:
Step 1
Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 2
Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 3
Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4
Unscrew the wheel bolts.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 5
Remove the wheel.
Step 6
Clean the stabiliser link fasteners.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 7
Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut.Use a drive socket #17.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 8
Remove the stabilizer rod.
Step 9
Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 10
Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle.Use a drive socket #19.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11
Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.Use a ball joint puller.
Step 12
Clean the fastener that connects the ball joint to the steering knuckle.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 13
Unscrew the ball joint fastening to the steering knuckle.Use a drive socket #19.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 14
Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
Step 15
Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.Use a ball joint puller.Use a crowbar.
Step 16
Treat the retaining bracket that secures the brake hose and the wiring harness. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 17
Unscrew the brake hose fastening bracket from the shock strut.Use a drive socket #18.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 18
Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
Step 19
Disconnect the lower arm from the steering knuckle.
Step 20
Remove the steering knuckle together with the hub.
Step 21
Lower the car.
Step 22
Open the bonnet.
Step 23
Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 24
Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 25
Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.Use a drive socket #13.Use a ratchet wrench.
AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. BMW E46
Step 26
Remove the suspension strut.
Step 27
Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Tip from AUTODOC:
Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
Step 28
Compress the spring.
Step 29
Remove the shock strut mount cap.Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 30
Treat the shock strut rod.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 31
Remove the strut piston rod nut.Use a drive socket #22.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 32
Remove the top strut mount.
Step 33
Release the coil spring.
Step 34
Remove the spring.
Step 35
Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
Step 36
Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
Step 37
Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
Step 38
Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
Step 39
Install the spring on the shock absorber.
Step 40
Compress the spring.
Step 41
Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.Use water pump pliers.
Step 42
Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #22.Use HEX No.H6.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Tip:
Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
Step 43
Install the shock strut mount cap.
Step 44
Decompress the spring.
Step 45
Remove the assembled shock strut.
Step 46
Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Tip from AUTODOC:
To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when screwing the fastening bolts in.
Step 47
Tighten the upper fastener of the shock absorber strut mount.Use a drive socket #13.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 34 Nm torque.
Step 48
Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 49
Close the hood.
Step 50
Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 51
Install the steering knuckle.
Step 52
Connect the lower arm to the steering knuckle.
Step 53
Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Professionals recommend:
During the installation process, use only new bolts and nuts.Do not damage the ball joint cover.
Step 54
Screw the fastener connecting the ball joint to the steering knuckle.Use a combination spanner #19.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 65 Nm torque.
Step 55
Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 56
Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
Step 57
Tighten the fastening nut connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 65 nm torque.
Step 58
Fasten the brake hose on the strut.
Step 59
Connect the fastener of the ABS sensor cable to the shock absorber strut.
Step 60
Tighten the brake hose fastening bracket to the shock strut.Use a drive socket #18.Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 61
Ιnstall the transverse stabilizer link.
Step 62
Tighten the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut.Use a drive socket #17.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
Step 63
Connect the ABS sensor wiring.
Step 64
Remove the support from under the arm.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 65
Treat the shock strut fasteners.Use copper grease.
Step 66
Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
Step 67
Clean the brake disk surface.Use a brake cleaner.
Replacement: suspension strut – BMW E46. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 68
Install the wheel.
AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the suspension strut while screwing in the fastening bolts. BMW E46
Step 69
Screw in the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 70
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 71
Remove the jacks and chocks.
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