Replacing the strut mounts on a BMW 135i E82 Coupe involves several steps and requires various tools and components. click here for more details on the download manual…..
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Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process. Please note that this job can be complex and may require mechanical knowledge and experience. Safety precautions should always be taken when working on a vehicle.
### Tools and Materials Needed
1. **Tools:**
– Jack and jack stands
– Lug wrench
– Socket set (including a 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm socket)
– Torque wrench
– Ratchet and extensions
– Pliers
– Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
– Spring compressor (for safety)
– Strut nut socket (if needed)
– Hammer (rubber mallet is preferable)
– Brake cleaner
– Shop towels
2. **Parts:**
– New OEM strut mounts (left and right)
– New OEM strut bearings (if necessary)
– New strut bolts (recommended)
– New bump stops (if necessary)
– New dust boots (if necessary)
### Step-by-Step Replacement Process
#### 1. Preparation
– **Safety First:** Park the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety goggles and gloves.
– **Gather Tools and Parts:** Have everything at hand to avoid interruptions during the process.
#### 2. Lifting the Vehicle
– **Loosen the Wheel Lug Nuts:** Before lifting the car, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels slightly (do not remove them yet).
– **Jack Up the Vehicle:** Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle. Secure it with jack stands for safety.
– **Remove Front Wheels:** Take off the lug nuts completely and remove the front wheels, exposing the strut assembly.
#### 3. Disassembling the Strut Assembly
– **Remove the Brake Line Bracket:** Locate the brake line bracket on the strut. Use a socket to remove the bolt holding it in place. Be careful not to damage the brake line.
– **Remove the Anti-Roll Bar Link (if applicable):** If your vehicle has an anti-roll bar, use a wrench or socket to remove the bolt connecting the link to the strut. You may need to hold the link with pliers to prevent it from spinning.
– **Disconnect the Strut from the Steering Knuckle:** Locate the lower strut bolts (usually two bolts). Remove them with a socket and ratchet. You may need to tap the strut gently with a hammer to free it from the knuckle.
#### 4. Removing the Strut Assembly
– **Remove the Top Strut Nuts:** Open the hood and locate the strut tower. You will see three nuts holding the strut assembly in place. Use the appropriate socket to remove these nuts. Hold the strut assembly from below to prevent it from falling.
– **Remove the Strut Assembly:** Carefully pull the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
#### 5. replacing the Strut Mount
– **Use a Spring Compressor:** If your strut assembly has a coil spring, you’ll need to compress the spring using a spring compressor. Follow the compressor manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid injury.
– **Remove the Strut Mount:** Once the spring is compressed, remove the nut at the top of the strut assembly using a socket. With the nut removed, you can take off the strut mount and bearing (if applicable). Inspect the old mount for wear or damage.
– **Install the New Strut Mount:** Place the new strut mount and bearing onto the strut shaft. Reinstall the nut and tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.
#### 6. Reassembling the Strut Assembly
– **Reinstall the Spring:** If applicable, carefully decompress the spring while ensuring it is properly seated on both the strut
and the strut mount.
– **Reattach the Strut Assembly:** Position the strut assembly back into the wheel well. Align the top mount with the holes in the strut tower and secure it with the nuts. Tighten to the specified torque.
– **Reattach the Strut to the Steering Knuckle:** Align the strut with the steering knuckle and insert the lower strut bolts. Tighten these bolts to the specified torque.
– **Reattach the Brake Line Bracket and Anti-Roll Bar Link:** Reinstall any components you removed earlier, ensuring everything is secured properly.
#### 7. Reinstalling the Wheels and Lowering the Vehicle
– **Reinstall the Front Wheels:** Place the wheels back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
– **Lower the Vehicle:** Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the car back to the ground.
– **Tighten the Lug Nuts:** Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
#### 8. Final Checks
– **Inspect Your Work:** Double-check all bolts and components to ensure everything is secure.
– **Test Drive:** Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure everything is functioning properly.
### Notes
– Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications for torque settings and part numbers.
– If you’re unsure about any steps, consult a repair manual or seek assistance from a professional mechanic.
– It’s recommended to replace strut mounts in pairs (left and right) to maintain balanced handling.
By following these instructions, you should be able to replace the strut mounts on your BMW 135i E82 Coupe successfully.
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