How to Replace Front Strut Assembly 97-06 BMW 325Xi
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Bmw 325xi
Replace the front strut assembly on a 1997-2006 BMW 325Xi.
Tools you will need
- 12mm socket
- Socket extensions
- Torque wrench
- 16mm wrench
- Hammer
- Rust penetrant
- 16mm socket
- 17mm socket
- 18mm socket
- Center punch
- Bungee cord
- T30 socket
- T27 Torx socket
- Ratchet
- Floor jack
- Breaker bar
- Impact gun
Parts and supplies
- Front strut assembly
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the 17mm lug bolts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, then remove the lug bolts and wheel.
- Remove the old strut assembly
Remove the 16mm nut connecting the sway bar link to the strut, remove the 18mm lower strut pinch bolt, hammer down on the knuckle with a punch to free the lower strut, tie the knuckle off with a bungee cord to keep the CV axle from detaching, remove the upper strut mount's three 13mm nuts, then lift the strut assembly out.
- Install the new strut assembly
Insert the upper mount using its indexing tab to align it, loosely install the 12mm upper mount nuts, position the lower strut's indexing tab into the knuckle, jack the knuckle up to seat the lower strut properly, reposition the brake hose bracket, install and torque the 18mm lower pinch bolt to about 74 ft-lb, torque the 12mm upper nuts to about 21 ft-lb, then lower the jack and remove the bungee cord.
- Reinstall the wheel
Slide the wheel on, start the 17mm lug bolts by hand, lower the car partway, torque the lug bolts to about 95 ft-lb in a star pattern, then lower the car the rest of the way.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.