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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMINI2013COOPER COUNTRYMAN, STANDARD TRANSREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1297 (FRONT AXLE - REPAIR (AWD))31 SPRING STRUT31 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (AWD)
2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard Trans

31 31 000 Removing And Installing Complete Front Left Or Right Spring Strut (AWD)

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 31 31 000 Removing And Installing Complete Front Left Or Right Spring Strut (AWD)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 528xi, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
IMPORTANT: If the centering pin is missing from the support bearing, the position of the studs to the wheel arch must be marked so that the original camber is approximately maintained.
Only one nut may ever be released for marking.

Remove front wheel.

Release collar nut; to do so, press brake pedal to floor.

Installation: 

Replace collar nut, apply a light coating of oil to contact surface and tighten down.

No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Tightening torque 31 21 2AZ .

Secure collar nut by peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut
G04745166Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove brake disk.

Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing.

Remove tension strut from guide joint.

Remove control arm from swivel bearing.

Remove stabilizer link from spring strut.

Turn swivel bearing to one side.

Press output shaft out of drive flange and tie up.

Remove pulse generator from swivel bearing and remove line from bracket on spring strut.

Centering pin missing: Make position of studs in relation to wheel arch.

Secure spring strut against falling out.

Unscrew nuts.

Remove spring strut with swivel bearing downwards out of wheel arch.

Installation: 

Clean contact surface in spring strut dome.

Replace faulty sealing washer for spring strut support bearing (corrosion protection).

Align spring strut using centering pin to bore in wheel arch or studs to wheel arch and push upwards.

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Fig 2: Locating Spring Strut
G04742359Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

  • Carry out wheel alignment check if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.