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Changing the struts in your 2013 BMW 328i FWD generally is a daunting job, but it surely’s really fairly simple with the fitting instruments and know-how. This complete information will stroll you thru all the course of, from begin to end, so you may get your automobile again on the street very quickly. We’ll cowl every thing from gathering the mandatory instruments and supplies to eradicating the previous struts and putting in the brand new ones.
Earlier than you start, it is necessary to collect all the obligatory instruments and supplies. You may want a set of metric wrenches, a socket set, a torque wrench, a spring compressor, and a jack and jack stands. You may additionally want a brand new set of struts, in fact. Upon getting every thing you want, you may get began on the substitute course of. First, you will must jack up the automobile and safe it on jack stands. Then, you will must take away the wheel and tire from the affected aspect. Now, earlier than you take away the previous struts, you will want to make use of a torque wrench to loosen the highest nut on the strut.
Subsequent, you will want to make use of a spring compressor to compress the coil spring on the strut. As soon as the spring is compressed, you possibly can take away the highest nut and washer. Then, you possibly can take away the strut from the automobile. Now, it is time to set up the brand new struts. First, you will must insert the brand new strut into the automobile. Then, you will want to put in the highest nut and washer. Now, you will want to make use of a spring compressor to compress the coil spring on the brand new strut. As soon as the spring is compressed, you possibly can set up the highest nut and torque it to the desired torque. Lastly, you possibly can set up the wheel and tire and decrease the automobile to the bottom.
Gathering Vital Supplies
Step one in changing struts on a 2013 BMW 328i FWD is to collect the mandatory supplies. This consists of:
Instruments:
- 19mm socket wrench
- 22mm socket wrench
- Torx T30 socket wrench
- Torque wrench
- Strut spring compressor
Elements:
- Entrance struts (2)
- Strut mounts (2)
- Strut bearings (2)
- Higher spring pad (2)
- Decrease spring seat (2)
- Mud boot (2)
- Strut nut (2)
Along with the instruments and components listed above, additionally, you will want the next supplies:
Supplies:
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Security glasses
- Gloves
- Alternative bolts and nuts (optionally available)
Beneficial Elements
Whereas not required, the next components are advisable for substitute when changing struts:
Beneficial Elements:
| Half | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Brake pads | Worn brake pads can scale back braking efficiency. |
| Brake rotors | Worn brake rotors may cause vibrations and noise. |
| Tie rods | Worn tie rods may cause misalignment and untimely tire put on. |
Security Precautions and Preparation
Security First: Guarantee Your Security
Earlier than delving into any automotive repairs, prioritize your security by adhering to elementary precautions. Park your automobile on a secure, stage floor and interact the parking brake to stop unintended motion. Collect the mandatory instruments and don security glasses and gloves to safeguard your self from potential hazards.
Preparation: Collect Important Instruments and Elements
To embark on the strut substitute job, you’ll require a complete set of instruments and elements. Assemble wrenches (socket and open-end), torque wrench, spring compressor, strut socket, and a brand new set of struts particularly designed on your 2013 BMW 328i FWD. Moreover, you could want penetrating oil to loosen rusted bolts. Guarantee you’ve gotten a jack and jack stands to raise and help your automobile securely.
Eradicating the Tires and Wheels
To start the struts substitute, you will must take away the tires and wheels. Here is an in depth information on do it safely:
- Collect obligatory instruments: Acquire a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, and wheel chocks.
- Park the automobile on a flat, secure floor: Have interaction the parking brake to stop the automobile from shifting.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse those you will be engaged on: This may present extra stability and forestall the automobile from rolling.
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheels: Flip them counterclockwise, however do not take away them but.
- Place the jack close to the wheel you are changing: Check with your automobile’s guide for the designated jack factors.
- Slowly carry the automobile utilizing the jack: Pump the jack till there’s about 6 inches of clearance between the bottom and the tire.
- Place a jack stand below the automobile close to the jack: This may present extra help and forestall the automobile from falling if the jack fails.
- Decrease the jack barely to switch the load of the automobile to the jack stand: Make sure the automobile is secure earlier than eradicating the jack.
- Take away the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to unscrew the lug nuts fully and pull off the wheel.
Disconnecting Brake Traces and Sensors
As soon as the brake caliper is eliminated, it is time to disconnect the brake traces and sensors. Observe these steps:
Disconnect the Brake Traces
- Find the brake line that connects to the brake caliper.
- Use a flare nut wrench to loosen the brake line becoming.
- As soon as the becoming is loosened, use a wrench to carry the brake line and forestall it from twisting whilst you take away the becoming.
- Take away the becoming and permit any remaining brake fluid to empty right into a container.
Cap the Brake Traces
After disconnecting the brake traces, it is necessary to cap them to stop brake fluid from leaking out. You need to use rubber caps or plastic wrap to cap the traces.
Disconnect the Sensors
- Find the ABS sensor and velocity sensor wires.
- Unplug the connectors by squeezing the tabs on the edges of the connectors and pulling them aside.
- Use zip ties to safe the sensor wires out of the best way.
| Brake Line | Becoming Dimension |
|---|---|
| Entrance Brake Line | M10 x 1.5 |
| Rear Brake Line | M12 x 1.5 |
Dismantling the Suspension Meeting
5. Eradicating the Ball Joint and Struts
To take away the ball joint, you will want a ball joint puller. Insert the puller’s jaws between the ball joint and the management arm. Slowly tighten the puller’s screw to separate the ball joint from the management arm. As soon as the ball joint is free, you possibly can take away it fully by hand.
With the ball joint eliminated, now you can unbolt the strut meeting. There are usually two or three bolts that safe the strut to the wheel hub and the steering knuckle. Take away these bolts and thoroughly carry the strut meeting out of the wheel effectively.
As soon as the strut meeting is eliminated, you should use a spring compressor to compress the coil spring. This may help you safely take away the strut cartridge from the strut meeting.
Here is a desk summarizing the steps for eradicating the ball joint and struts:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the puller’s jaws between the ball joint and the management arm. |
| 2 | Tighten the puller’s screw to separate the ball joint from the management arm. |
| 3 | Take away the ball joint fully by hand. |
| 4 | Unbolt the strut meeting from the wheel hub and steering knuckle. |
| 5 | Elevate the strut meeting out of the wheel effectively. |
| 6 | Use a spring compressor to compress the coil spring. |
| 7 | Take away the strut cartridge from the strut meeting. |
Eradicating the Previous Struts
1. Collect Instruments and Security Gear
Guarantee you’ve gotten the mandatory instruments (socket wrench, influence wrench, strut compressors) and security gear (gloves, security glasses).
2. Loosen Lug Nuts
Barely loosen the lug nuts on the wheel similar to the strut you are changing. Don’t take away them fully.
3. Increase and Safe Automobile
Elevate the automobile utilizing a jack and safe it with jack stands. Make sure the automobile is secure earlier than continuing.
4. Take away Wheel
Totally take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
5. Unbolt Strut from Suspension
Find the strut mount bolts connecting the strut to the suspension. Use the socket wrench to unscrew these bolts.
6. Compress the Spring
Safe the strut in a coil spring compressor. Make sure the compressor is correctly positioned to compress the spring safely and successfully. Slowly and regularly compress the spring, taking care to deal with it with warning because it comprises excessive ranges of power.
| Warning | Security First |
|---|---|
| By no means try to compress a spring with no designated spring compressor | At all times put on acceptable security gear and deal with the spring with care |
7. Take away the Prime Strut Nut
As soon as the spring is compressed, use the influence wrench to take away the highest strut nut. This releases the strut from its mount.
8. Fastidiously Take away the Strut
Slowly information the strut out of its housing. Take warning to not harm the spring or different surrounding elements.
Putting in the New Struts
7. Getting ready the Struts for Set up
a. Take away the manufacturing unit plastic trim masking the highest of the strut.
b. Disconnect {the electrical} connections to the strut mount.
c. Use a 21mm socket or wrench to take away the 2 bolts securing the strut to the knuckle.
d. Loosen the three bolts holding the strut mount to the strut tower, however don’t take away them fully.
e. Place a ground jack below the management arm and lift the automobile barely to alleviate strain on the strut mount.
f. Take away the three bolts fully and separate the strut mount from the strut tower.
g. Switch the higher strut mount and bearings from the previous strut to the brand new one.
h. Compress the brand new strut utilizing a strut compressor instrument or a hydraulic press (seek advice from the producer’s directions for correct compression strategies).
i. Apply a skinny layer of anti-seize to the strut shaft and insert it into the knuckle.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take away plastic trim |
| 2 | Disconnect electrical connections |
| 3 | Take away strut bolts |
| 4 | Loosen strut mount bolts |
| 5 | Increase automobile and take away strut mount bolts |
| 6 | Switch higher strut mount |
| 7 | Compress new strut |
| 8 | Apply anti-seize and insert strut |
Reassembling the Suspension Elements
Now that the brand new struts are in place, it is time to reassemble the suspension elements. This course of is actually the reverse of the disassembly course of, however there are some things to bear in mind.
First, make it possible for all the elements are clear and freed from particles. This may assist to make sure a correct match and forestall untimely put on.
Second, use a torque wrench to tighten all the bolts and nuts to the desired torque. This may assist to make sure that the suspension is correctly assembled and secure to drive on.
8. Putting in the Caliper Service
Set up the caliper service to the steering knuckle. Use the 21 mm socket to tighten the two bolts to 110 Nm (81 ft-lb).
Set up the brake rotor to the wheel hub. Use the 18 mm socket to tighten the two bolts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lb).
Set up the caliper to the caliper service. Use the 13 mm socket to tighten the two bolts to 24 Nm (18 ft-lb).
| Description | Torque |
|---|---|
| Steering knuckle to caliper service | 110 Nm (81 ft-lb) |
| Wheel hub to brake rotor | 140 Nm (103 ft-lb) |
| Caliper service to caliper | 24 Nm (18 ft-lb) |
Reattaching the Brake Traces and Sensors
After including the struts and different elements again into place, it’s time to reattach the brake traces and sensors.
- Find the brake traces. The brake traces are usually fabricated from metallic and run from the grasp cylinder to the brake calipers. They are often recognized by the rubber hoses that join them to the calipers.
- Disconnect the brake traces. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts that safe the brake traces to the calipers. Watch out to not harm the brake traces or the bolts.
- Take away the sensors. The sensors are small, spherical units which can be hooked up to the brake traces. They are often eliminated by hand or with a small wrench.
- Examine the brake traces and sensors. Search for any indicators of injury, resembling cracks or leaks. In the event you discover any harm, substitute the brake traces or sensors.
- Clear the brake traces and sensors. Use a clear material to wipe away any grime or particles from the brake traces and sensors.
- Apply brake grease. Apply a skinny layer of brake grease to the brake traces and sensors. This may assist to stop corrosion and guarantee a superb seal.
- Reattach the sensors. Hand-tighten the sensors onto the brake traces. Don’t overtighten the sensors, as this might harm them.
- Reattach the brake traces. Tighten the bolts that safe the brake traces to the calipers. Don’t overtighten the bolts, as this might harm the brake traces or the calipers.
- Bleed the brakes. Bleeding the brakes is a means of eradicating air from the brake traces. This have to be achieved after any work is carried out on the brake system.
To bleed the brakes, observe these steps:
- Open the bleeder valve on the caliper furthest from the grasp cylinder.
- Have an assistant pump the brake pedal a number of occasions.
- Shut the bleeder valve.
- Repeat this course of for every caliper, beginning with the caliper furthest from the grasp cylinder and dealing your option to the caliper closest to the grasp cylinder.
Tightening and Torquing Specs
To make sure correct performance and security, adhere to the next tightening and torquing specs:
| Element | Tightening Torque |
|---|---|
| Strut to Knuckle Bolts | 47 ft-lbs |
| Sway Bar Finish Hyperlinks | 22 ft-lbs |
| Strut Mount to Physique Bolts | 18 ft-lbs |
| Strut Prime Nut | 51 ft-lbs |
| Wheel Lug Nuts | 89 ft-lbs |
It’s essential to make use of a torque wrench to attain these exact specs. Tightening the nuts and bolts too loosely can compromise the strut’s efficiency and security, whereas overtightening can harm the elements.
At all times seek advice from the automobile’s service guide or seek the advice of a certified mechanic for particular directions and security precautions associated to your particular BMW mannequin.
Ignoring these tightening and torquing specs can result in untimely put on and tear, decreased efficiency, and even potential security hazards. By following these tips, you possibly can make sure that the strut substitute is completed accurately and your BMW operates safely and effectively.
How To Substitute 2013 Bmw 328i Fwd Struts Alternative
Changing the struts on a 2013 BMW 328i FWD is a comparatively simple course of that may be accomplished in a couple of hours with the fitting instruments and data. Listed below are the steps on do it:
- Collect your instruments and supplies. You’ll need a brand new set of struts, a socket wrench, a torque wrench, a jack, and jack stands.
- Security first! Park your automobile on a stage floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the entrance wheels, however don’t take away them fully.
- Jack up the entrance of the automobile and place jack stands below the designated jack factors.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the entrance wheels.
- Find the three bolts that maintain the strut in place. These bolts are situated on the highest of the strut, the center, and the underside.
- Use the socket wrench to take away the three bolts.
- Fastidiously decrease the strut out of the wheel effectively.
- Set up the brand new strut into the wheel effectively.
- Tighten the three bolts that maintain the strut in place.
- Put the wheel again on and tighten the lug nuts.
- Decrease the automobile to the bottom.
- Repeat the method for the opposite aspect.
- As soon as each struts are changed, torque all of the bolts to the desired torque.
- Check drive the automobile to make it possible for the struts are working correctly.
Folks Additionally Ask
What are the signs of unhealthy struts?
A few of the signs of unhealthy struts embody:
- Leaking fluid
- Noise when going over bumps
- Uneven tire put on
- Poor dealing with
- Nosediving when braking
- Rear-end squatting when accelerating
How typically ought to struts get replaced?
Struts usually final for round 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Nonetheless, this could differ relying on the driving circumstances and the standard of the struts.
How a lot does it price to switch struts?
The associated fee to switch struts varies relying on the make and mannequin of the automobile, in addition to the price of the struts themselves. Nonetheless, you possibly can count on to pay round $500 to $1,000 for the components and labor.
