BMW 33526764000 Rear Shock Absorber

New shock absorber upper mounting nuts and a new mounting gasket will have to be provided for fixing. Start with the front wheels and then proceed to lift the rear part of the car and secure it with jack stands, remove the rear wheel for ease of access. For Sedan and Coupe models, remove the carpet and the shock absorber liner in the trunk, also, take out the warning triangle and its bracket, side trim cover and insulation panel to gain access to the nuts and bolts securing the upper end of the shock absorber. As for wagon models, it is necessary to take out the interior trim panel. Place a jack under the trailing arm so that the latter would not fall down when the nut for the shock absorber is removed. Unfasten and unravel the shock absorber to trailing arm bolt while the upper mounting bolts can be accessed from inside the boot, after which the shock absorber should be lowered with the gasket being retrieved. During the overhaul a new piston nut will be necessary; unscrew the trim cap on top of the shock absorber, wash it then free and take off the piston nut and dished washer paying attention to their position. Raise the upper mounting plate, undo the dust cover and slide off the spacer and rubber stop on the shock absorbent piston. Check for leakage of the fluids, pitting on the piston and also check the body of the shock absorber, and test for smooth resistance when operating. Check for signs of wear of tear in all the parts and replace any that may be badly affected. Reassemble by fitting the rubber stop and spacer in position on the shock piston, then the dust cover, upper mounting plate, dished washer and the new piston nut should be fitted before tightening. Position the upper mounting plate and the body contact surfaces for the installation; it is recommended that a new gasket should always be used. Roll the shock absorber in place and then fit the new upper mounting nuts. Align the lower end of the shock absorber in such a manner that the mounting bushing spacer washer is towards the bolt before tightening the lower mounting bolt, but only manually at first. In the specified torque tighten the upper mounting nuts then re-fix the insulation panel luggage compartment trim panel rear light access cover and loudspeaker as required. Last, retighten the wheel bolt and lower the car until the wheel touches the ground, and the tighten the shock absorber lower mounting bolt to the recommended torque.

Remove the cap from the top of the strut to access the upper mounting retaining nut, loosening it while retaining the strut piston with a suitable tool.

Both struts or shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs on the same axle.