BMW X5: Information On Replacing Shock Absorbers

Facts:

When a shock absorber is faulty on one side (leaking, noises, limit values exceeded on the shock tester), often both shock absorbers on the axle in question are replaced.

E32, E34, E38, E39 : In the case of rear spring struts with ride-height control, there is always a slight oil spillage on the piston rod. These spring struts are permitted to be wet with oil over a maximum of half the shock absorber length on the outer tube, i.e. they are permitted to "sweat".

Consequence:

This is not necessary for technical reasons and causes the manufacturer not to recognize the unnecessarily removed shock absorbers as damaged parts. Unnecessarily high costs for the customer can be avoided by replacing the shock absorber on one side only.

Procedure:

Shock absorbers may be replaced on one side only until they have completed 50 000 km service.

Exception: On all M-GmbH models, when a limit value is exceeded on one side, it is still necessary always to replace both shock absorbers on the relevant axle.

INSTRUCTIONS (CHASSIS COMPONENTS MADE OF ALUMINUM)

Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of aluminum, always comply with the following points when handling aluminum components:

• Do not bring into contact with battery acid!
• Do not clean with wire brushes made of brass or iron! Always use wire brushes with stainless steel bristles!
• Do not expose to flying sparks when grinding/separating! Cover components!
• Do not strike with steel welding splashes! Cover components!
• Do not expose to temperatures > 80ºC, even for brief periods! Temperatures in paint facilities do not have the same impact

NOTES ON REPAIRING THREADS

IMPORTANT: Install Helicoil thread inserts so that they are flush with the original thread.

NOTE: Damaged threads in the frame side member may be repaired with Helicoil thread inserts. Comply with the procedure described in the example.

Fig. 8: Identifying Damaged Helicoil Threads

REAR AXLE: WHEEL/CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK MUST BE CARRIED OUT AFTER THE FOLLOWING WORK

Fig. 9: Identifying Rear Axle Wheel/Chassis Alignment Components

A wheel/chassis alignment check must be carried out after the following work:

• Release of following screw/bolt connections:
  • Swinging arm, front/rear, to rear axle carrier
  • Swinging arm to integral link / wheel carrier
  • Integral link to wheel carrier
  • Guide arm to rear axle carrier
  • Control arm to rear axle carrier
• Replacement of following parts:
  1. Rear axle carrier
  2. Swinging arm
  3. Integral link
  4. Wheel carrier / ball joint
  5. Control arm
  6. Guide arm

MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM

Special tools required:

• 00 2 261
• 00 2 262

WARNING: Danger to life! Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Observe the following directions and instructions when handling the special tool:

1. Prior to each use, check the special tools for defects, modifications and operational reliability.
2. Damaged/modified special tools must not be used!
3. No changes or modifications may be made to the special tools!
4. Keep special tools dry, clean and free of grease.
5. Impact screwdrivers may not be used!

IMPORTANT: Risk of corrosion! Touch up paintwork damage.

Re-establish wax layer.

Remove vehicle jack fixture with a suitable tool from side frame.

Installation:

Check fixture for damage, replace if necessary.

Fig. 10: Identifying Vehicle Jack Fixture

NOTE: Following states can be selected on special tool 00 2 261.

1. Vehicle unsecured
2. Vehicle secured (after special tool is lashed to lifting platform arm)

Fig. 11: Identifying Vehicle Jack Fixture And Special Tool (00 2 261)

NOTE: The following procedure must always be carried out on the left and right sides.

Insert special tool 00 2 261 into opening in side frame with 3/8" extension and secure ratchet to body. To do so, turn lock through 90º up to stop.

WARNING: Danger to life! Check stopping of special tool 00 2 261 on side frame, correct attachment if necessary.

Fig. 12: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 261)

Lash special tool 00 2 261 with tensioning strap 00 2 262 crosswise (as pictured) to lifting platform arm.

WARNING: Danger to life! Carry out tensile and visual inspection of tensioning strap 00 2 262 , correct position if necessary.

Fig. 13: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 261) And (00 2 262)

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