BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Replacing rubber mount in left or right trailing link

Special tools required:

• 31 2 261
• 31 2 264

IMPORTANT: The rubber mounts are only permitted to be replaced once.

Carry out check:

There must always be a minimum amount of play in the guide joint.

1. Check guide joint play

NOTE: Apply light pressure to the trailing link (in the area of the guide joint) in the horizontal and vertical directions.

• Play is OK: Check the screw connection. (see Point 2)
• Play is not OK: Replace RUBBER MOUNT AND GUIDE JOINT.

2. Check screw connection (trailing link to guide joint) by tightening to 60 % of tightening torque 31 12 2AZ and listening for cracking sound.

• Torque wrench cracking sound: Replace rubber mount
• Screw connection turns: Replace trailing link and guide joint .

Replacing rubber mount:

• Remove TRAILING LINK.

Using a press and special tools 31 2 261 and 31 2 264 , press rubber mount out of tension strut.

NOTE: Special tool 31 2 264 must be exactly flush with rubber mount bush.

Installation note:

Keep rubber mount and bushing in tension strut clean and free from grease.

Align rubber mount and trailing link with markings (K) and press into place.

Installation note: Protrusion (A) equally large.

REPLACING RUBBER MOUNTS ON BOTH TRAILING LINKS

NOTE: Procedure is described in 31 12 138 Replacing rubber mount in left or right trailing link.