Suspension - Component Replacement Tips
84bmw03Group 31 Front Axle
Bulletin Number 31 06 83 (789) Page 1 of 1
Montvale, NJ August, 1984 Technical Dept.
Subject: WORKING ON SPRING STRUTS, SHOCK ABSORBERS, AND SPRINGS
It is important to replace spring struts, spring strut mounts, springs, shock absorbers, and shock absorber cartridges correctly as described in our repair manuals.
As an example of problems due to incorrect procedures, take a hypothetical case where the spring struts of an E21 are not removed completely, i.e. the control arm end rubber mounts and tie rod joints are not removed. Only the upper spring strut mount in the wheel house is unbolted; afterwards, the control arm and stabilizer are pressed down with help of long lever type tools and the spring strut in the wheel house is swung out and allowed to hang down. The remaining jobs are then performed in this "floating state".
In so doing, the permissible swinging angle of the rack end tie rod joints is exceeded so much that the joint pins touch the edge of ball sockets and are bent. Deformations of this type could lead to breakage when the car is operated and consequently wind up with the car being unsteerable.
Instruct your employees again to conform strictly with instructions in the repair manuals for removal and installation. Supervisory personnel should introduce pertinent control procedures to make sure this work is being performed correctly.
This naturally also applies to the rear axle mounts and trailing arms in conjunction with the deflection angle of constant velocity drive shafts.