BMW 33526796161 Rear Shock Absorber

To check the shock absorber, you should park the vehicle on a level ground, check tire pressure, press down at every corner of your car to see how the body moves and establish if it is due to a worn out or weak shock absorber. Steering and suspension checks involve looking for uneven wear patterns and proper inflation on tires, checking the universal joint and steering gear housing for leaking oil, inspecting each tie-rod end and any damage to all suspension and steering components, testing the movement of these steering pieces while another person turns the steering wheel, checking balljoints for any loose play and looking into their boots for tears or slits as well as examining deteriorating suspension arm bushings located at the rear of the car.

Working in the luggage compartment, remove the wheel arch trim and raise the car to take off the rear wheel. The shock absorber plays a crucial role in preventing the drive axle and wheel bearing carrier from dropping excessively; therefore, supporting the wheel bearing carrier before disconnecting the shock absorber mounting fasteners is essential to avoid damaging the brake hose, parking brake cable, and drive axle CV joints. Remove the upper shock absorber mount fastener along with the washer, then take out the lower mounting bolt. Compress and detach the shock absorber from the vehicle. If a replacement is needed, transfer the top mount, dust cover (if applicable), and related components to the new shock absorber. Counterhold the piston rod with a suitable wrench while handling the washer plate, bump stop, damper protective tube, and rear shock absorber. The installation process is the reverse of removal, ensuring that all threaded bolts, nuts, and mating surfaces are clean. Attach the shock absorber upper mount to the subframe using new self-locking nuts, and avoid mixing shock brands on a single axle by using the BMW part number to match manufacturers. Finally, tighten the fasteners to the final torque only after the vehicle has been lowered and the suspension has settled.

In some cases you may need to change the strut, upper strut mount or the spring, for this the strut assembly has to be brought out of the vehicle. First of all, Fix a spring compressor on the vertical shoulder of the shop vise and put the coil spring on the spring holders, observing that three coils has to be between the holders before pressing the spring. Unfasten the strut nut using a 'puller,' and hold the strut shaft with a 6 mm Allen wrench at the same time. I have found it rather crucial not to employ an impact tool during this process. After taking out the upper strut bearing and its related parts, if a new coil spring is being fitted then, release the tension of the spring compressor and take out the coil spring. Inspect the strut dust boot, rubber stop and spring pads and replace these where required. In regards to replacement parts, springs should always be replaced symmetrically and there is BMW ID number at the end of the part. Disassembly is done in the reverse order of assembly whereby a new upper strut self-locking nut will be tightened fully, then release the spring compressor. Do not use and impact tool on the strut nut when trying to tighten it. Check and accurately fit the upper and lower spring pads onto the spring seats and with equal and slow steps, release the spring compressor on the spring. Last of all, get the vehicle aligned by a professional after the job has been done.

The front suspension shock absorbers on 3-Series models are MacPherson struts.

Secure the spring strut to prevent it from falling out.