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Replacing a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i is an intricate yet necessary repair procedure that restores optimal vehicle handling and ride comfort. However, this task demands careful preparation, specialized tools, and technical expertise to ensure its successful execution.
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Before embarking on this project, it is prudent to assemble the necessary equipment, including a socket set, torque wrench, hex key set, coil spring compressor, strut socket, and a floor jack with jack stands. Furthermore, it is essential to select high-quality replacement strut mounts to guarantee longevity and performance. Understanding the location of the strut mounts is crucial, as they are typically situated at the top of the strut assembly, connecting it to the vehicle’s chassis.
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The repair procedure itself involves several distinct steps. Firstly, the vehicle must be securely elevated using a jack and supported by jack stands. Next, the wheel corresponding to the faulty strut mount should be removed, followed by the detachment of the brake caliper and rotor assembly. Subsequently, the coil spring compressor is employed to compress the coil spring, enabling the removal of the strut assembly. Finally, the damaged strut mount can be replaced with the new one, and the entire assembly can be reassembled in reverse order, ensuring proper torque specifications for all bolts and nuts.
Locating the Strut Mount
Identifying the strut mount on your 2013 BMW 335i is not immediately obvious due to its concealed placement within the vehicle’s suspension system. To locate it, you’ll need to follow a few steps:
- Open the hood: Locate the hood release lever inside the vehicle near the driver’s seat and pull it to release the hood. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
- Locate the suspension towers: Inside the engine bay, you’ll see two round, cylindrical towers on either side of the vehicle. These are the suspension towers that house the strut assemblies.
- Identify the strut: The strut is a long, slender component that connects the suspension tower to the wheel assembly. It’s usually painted black or silver and has a spring coiled around it.
- Inspect the top of the strut: At the top of the strut, you’ll find a rubber or polyurethane disk-shaped component. This is the strut mount, which isolates vibrations from the suspension and provides a stable mounting point for the strut.
Preparing the Tools
Before embarking on the task of changing your 2013 BMW 335i strut mount, it is crucial to gather all the necessary tools. This will ensure a smooth and efficient repair process.
Essential Tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Strut mount socket (21mm) | Removing the strut mount bolts |
| Socket wrench | Tightening and loosening bolts |
| Torx T55 socket | Removing the sway bar end link bolts |
| Impact wrench (optional) | Breaking loose stubborn bolts |
Additional Tools:
In addition to the essential tools, having these additional items on hand will make the process easier and safer:
- Jack and jack stands
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Penetrating oil (optional)
- Torque wrench (optional)
Raising and Securing the Vehicle
Before beginning any work, it is paramount to ensure the safety of both yourself and the vehicle. Follow these comprehensive steps to raise and securely support the 2013 BMW 335i.
1. Safety Precautions
– Park the BMW on a level, stable surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent movement.
– Ensure the engine is turned off and the keys are removed.
2. Selecting Appropriate Equipment
– Utilize a floor jack with adequate lifting capacity for the vehicle’s weight.
– Choose jack stands with a stable base and height capacity to support the car securely.
3. Positioning the Jack and Jack Stands
– Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the designated jack points on the BMW 335i.
– Carefully position the floor jack under the front jack point indicated.
– Slowly pump the jack to raise the vehicle until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tires.
– Place a jack stand next to the jack and lower the vehicle onto the stand. Ensure the stand is securely positioned and stable.
– Repeat the process on the other side of the vehicle, using the designated jack point.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select designated jack points from manufacturer’s instructions. |
| 2 | Use floor jack to raise vehicle, ensuring approximately 6 inches of clearance. |
| 3 | Position jack stand next to jack and lower vehicle onto stand. |
| 4 | Repeat process on opposite side of vehicle. |
Removing the Wheel and Brake Caliper
1. Safety First
Always engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Remove the lug nuts with a socket wrench, leaving them slightly loose for now.
2. Lift the Vehicle
Use a floor jack to lift the vehicle from the designated jack point near the suspension. Raise it just enough to remove the wheel freely.
3. Remove the Lug Nuts and Wheel
Completely remove the lug nuts and carefully pull the wheel straight toward you to detach it.
4. Detaching the Brake Caliper
Unscrew the Caliper Bolts
Locate the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the strut. Use an Allen key or socket wrench to loosen the bolts. Avoid removing them entirely at this point.
Swing the Caliper Upward
Once the bolts are loose, gently lift the brake caliper off the rotor and swing it upward. Avoid straining the brake line by supporting the caliper with a bungee cord or wire.
Remove the Rotor
With the caliper out of the way, the rotor should now be accessible. Slide it straight toward you off the wheel hub.
Disconnecting the Lower Control Arm
Proceeding with the lower control arm disconnection requires methodical steps for safe and effective execution:
5. Disconnect the Lower Ball Joints from the Knuckles:
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Locate the lower ball joints connecting the lower control arms to the steering knuckles.
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Insert a ball joint splitter between the ball joint and the steering knuckle.
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Tighten the splitter until the ball joint separates from the steering knuckle.
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Repeat this process for the other lower ball joint on the same side of the vehicle.
| Ball Joint Splitter Size | Recommended Torque |
|---|---|
| 17mm | 74 ft-lbs |
Note: Use caution when separating the ball joints, as excessive force can damage the components.
Once the lower ball joints are disconnected, the lower control arm will be free to move. Proceed with the next steps to remove the strut mount.
Removing the Strut Assembly
The next phase is to remove the entire strut assembly. This is rather straightforward, but it does require some strength and assistance from another person.
1. Disconnect the sway bar link.
Locate the sway bar link attached to the strut. Use a wrench or socket to loosen the bolt or nut that connects the link to the strut. Once loose, carefully pry the link away from the strut.
2. Remove the brake caliper.
Locate the brake caliper mounted on the strut. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts or screws that hold the caliper in place. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and set it aside, being cautious not to strain the brake hose.
3. Remove the ABS sensor wire.
Locate the ABS sensor wire attached to the strut. Gently pull the wire off the mounting bracket or clip.
4. Remove the three strut mounting bolts.
Locate the three bolts that secure the strut to the vehicle’s frame. Use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove these bolts.
5. Carefully lower the strut assembly.
With the bolts removed, carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well. Have an assistant help you support the weight of the assembly as you maneuver it out.
6. Separate the coil spring from the strut.
Using a spring compressor, carefully compress the coil spring on the strut. Once compressed, remove the spring seat and bearing plate that hold the spring in place. Slowly release the spring compressor to release the tension on the spring. Note: This step requires caution and should be performed with the utmost care, as the spring can be under significant tension and can cause injury if not handled properly.
Replacing the Strut Mount
Replacing the strut mount is a fairly straightforward process, but it will require some time and effort. Here are the steps involved:
- Gather your tools and materials. You will need a new strut mount, a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, and a jack.
- Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel. Use a jack to raise the vehicle and then remove the lug nuts and wheel.
- Remove the upper strut mount bolts. There will be two or three bolts that hold the upper strut mount to the vehicle. Use a socket wrench to remove these bolts.
- Remove the lower strut mount bolts. There will be two or three bolts that hold the lower strut mount to the control arm. Use a socket wrench to remove these bolts.
- Remove the strut mount. Once the bolts are removed, you can remove the strut mount from the vehicle.
- Install the new strut mount. Place the new strut mount on the vehicle and then tighten the bolts. Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
- Tighten the upper strut mount bolts. Tighten the upper strut mount bolts to the specified torque.
- Install the wheel. Install the wheel and then tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle.
Reinstalling the Strut Assembly
1. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel and tire from the affected side.
3. Remove the brake caliper and hang it from the chassis with a wire.
4. Remove the two bolts that secure the strut mount to the strut.
5. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
6. Inspect the strut mount for any damage or wear. If necessary, replace the mount.
7. Inspect the strut for any damage or leaks. If necessary, replace the strut.
8. Reinstall the strut assembly into the wheel well. Ensure the strut mount is properly seated on the strut tower. Tighten the two bolts that secure the strut mount to the strut.
8.1. Locate the three mounting points for the strut assembly on the knuckle.
8.2. Position the strut assembly onto the knuckle.
8.3. Secure the strut assembly to the knuckle with the bolts.
8.4. Tighten the strut assembly bolts to the specified torque.
8.5. Repeat the bolting process for the remaining two mounting points.
8.6. Ensure that all three bolts are tightened securely.
9. Reinstall the wheel and tire.
10. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
Tightening and Torquing the Bolts
Once all the bolts are in place, it’s time to tighten and torque them. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the correct specifications. The torque specifications for the strut mount bolts are as follows:
| Bolt Size | Torque |
|---|---|
| 13 mm | 59 ft-lb (80 Nm) |
| 16 mm | 89 ft-lb (120 Nm) |
| 18 mm | 118 ft-lb (160 Nm) |
Tighten the bolts in a star pattern to ensure that the load is evenly distributed. Once the bolts are tightened, check them again after driving for a few hundred miles to ensure that they have not loosened.
Additional Details for Number 9
When tightening and torquing the strut mount bolts, it is important to follow the specified torque values and to use a torque wrench. Overtightening the bolts can damage the threads or the strut mount itself. Undertightening the bolts can allow the strut mount to move, which can lead to noise, vibration, and poor handling.
It is also important to check the bolts after driving for a few hundred miles to ensure that they have not loosened. This is especially important if you have been driving on rough roads or in wet conditions.
Lowering the Vehicle and Removing Jack Stands
Once the strut mount has been replaced, it’s time to lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Remove the Jack Stand
Locate the jack stand supporting the front of the vehicle. Slowly lower the vehicle by releasing the jack stand valve. Once the vehicle is resting on its wheels, completely remove the jack stand.
Step 2: Repeat for the Other Side
Move to the other side of the vehicle and repeat the process to lower the vehicle and remove the jack stand.
Step 3: Tighten the Lug Nuts
Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct torque value.
Step 4: Remove the Wheel Chock
Remove the wheel chock from the rear wheel on the side where you replaced the strut mount. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Step 5: Repeat for the Other Side
Move to the other side of the vehicle and remove the wheel chock from the rear wheel. This will allow you to fully lower the vehicle.
Step 6: Lower the Vehicle
Slowly release the jack until the vehicle is fully lowered to the ground. Double-check to ensure the vehicle is stable and resting on all four wheels.
Step 7: Remove the Jack
Completely remove the jack from under the vehicle.
Step 8: Check the Tires
Inspect the tires to ensure they are properly inflated and have no visible damage.
Step 9: Test Drive the Vehicle
Take the vehicle for a short test drive to check for any unusual noises or vibrations. Ensure the vehicle handles and brakes properly.
Step 10: Follow-Up Inspection
After driving the vehicle for a few days, re-check the strut mount and other components to ensure they are still properly tightened and functioning correctly.
How To Change 2013 Bmw 335i Strut Mount
Replacing the strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new strut mount, socket wrench, torque wrench, and jack stands.
- Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Raise the front of the car using jack stands, ensuring it is securely supported.
- Locate the strut mount on top of the strut assembly. It is typically held in place by three bolts.
- Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts and carefully lift the old strut mount off the strut assembly.
- Clean the mating surfaces of the strut assembly and the new strut mount to ensure a proper fit.
- Place the new strut mount onto the strut assembly and tighten the bolts to the specified torque using the torque wrench.
- Lower the car and remove the jack stands.
- Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle.
People Also Ask About How To Change 2013 Bmw 335i Strut Mount
How much does it cost to change a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i?
The cost of replacing a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i can vary depending on factors such as the location, labor rates, and the specific make and model of the vehicle. On average, the cost can range from $200 to $400 per strut mount, including parts and labor.
How long does it take to change a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i?
The time required to replace a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours per strut mount, depending on the experience of the mechanic and the availability of the necessary tools.
Is it difficult to change a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i?
Changing a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i is not particularly difficult, but it does require some mechanical knowledge and experience. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the appropriate tools to ensure a safe and successful repair.
