Replacing a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i is a task that can be completed by a novice mechanic with the right tools and a little bit of patience. The strut mount is a critical component of the vehicle’s suspension system, and a worn-out mount can lead to a number of problems, including poor handling, excessive tire wear, and even a loss of control. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to inspect your strut mounts and replace them if necessary.
The first step in replacing a strut mount is to gather the necessary tools and parts. You will need a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, a new strut mount, and a jack. Once you have everything you need, you can begin the process of removing the old strut mount. To do this, you will need to jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel from the side that you are working on. Once the wheel is removed, you will need to locate the strut mount. The strut mount is located at the top of the strut assembly, and it is held in place by three bolts. Once you have located the strut mount, you can remove the bolts and take off the old mount.
Installing the new strut mount is the reverse of removing the old mount. First, you will need to place the new mount on top of the strut assembly. Then, you will need to insert the three bolts and tighten them down to the specified torque. Once the bolts are tightened, you can put the wheel back on and lower the vehicle. Once the vehicle is on the ground, you can torque the bolts to the proper specifications. Finally, you can test drive the vehicle to make sure that the new strut mount is working properly.
Identifying the Strut Mounts
Strut mounts, also known as suspension mounts or shock mounts, are crucial components that connect the suspension struts to the vehicle’s chassis. They play a vital role in stabilizing the suspension system, reducing vibrations from the road, and improving overall ride quality. In the case of a 2013 BMW 335i, identifying the strut mounts is essential for performing maintenance or replacement.
The strut mounts are typically located at the top of the front and rear suspension struts. They can be accessed by removing the wheels and wheel well liners to expose the components. The strut mounts will appear as circular-shaped discs with a rubber center that surrounds the strut shaft. Here’s a more detailed description of the strut mounts’ location:
Front Strut Mounts
- The front strut mounts are situated at the top of the front suspension struts.
- They are located inside the engine compartment, just behind the front wheels.
- To access the front strut mounts, you will need to remove the wheel well liners and expose the suspension components.
Rear Strut Mounts
- The rear strut mounts are positioned at the top of the rear suspension struts.
- They are usually located in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle.
- To reach the rear strut mounts, you will need to remove the trunk liner or access panel to expose the suspension system.
Here is a table summarizing the location of the strut mounts in a 2013 BMW 335i:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Front | Located at the top of the front suspension struts, inside the engine compartment |
| Rear | Positioned at the top of the rear suspension struts, usually in the trunk or cargo area |
Preparing the Work Area
Before you begin working on your BMW 335i, it’s important to prepare the work area. This will help you stay organized and efficient, and it will also help to prevent accidents.
Here are some tips for preparing your work area:
- Choose a well-lit and ventilated area to work in.
- Clear away any clutter from the area.
- Gather all of the tools and materials you will need before you start working.
- Lay down a drop cloth or tarp to protect the floor from spills.
Safety Precautions
When working on your BMW, it is important to take safety precautions to avoid injury. Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Use a jack and jack stands to support the vehicle when it is raised off the ground.
- Do not work on the vehicle if it is hot.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid working in areas where there is a risk of falling objects.
- If you are not comfortable performing a particular task, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
Tools and Materials
Here is a list of tools and materials you will need to change the strut mount on your BMW 335i:
| Tool or Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strut mount | 2 |
| Strut mount bolts | 4 |
| Strut mount nuts | 4 |
| Jack | 1 |
| Jack stands | 2 |
| Wrench | 1 |
| Socket wrench | 1 |
| Sockets | 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm |
| Torque wrench | 1 |
| Anti-seize compound | 1 tube |
Removing the Strut Assembly
Begin by removing the wheel and tire assembly. Locate the strut assembly, which is the tall, cylindrical component that connects the wheel to the car’s body. To remove the strut assembly, you’ll need to detach it from the upper and lower control arms.
Using a spanner or socket wrench, loosen the bolts that attach the strut assembly to the upper control arm. Be careful not to remove the bolts completely at this point.
Next, move to the lower control arm. There will be one or two bolts that attach the strut assembly to the lower control arm. Loosen these bolts and then use a pry bar or large screwdriver to gently pry the strut assembly away from the lower control arm. Once the strut assembly is loose, carefully lift it out of the wheel well.
| Tools Required |
|---|
| Spanner or socket wrench |
| Pry bar or large screwdriver |
Disconnecting the Sway Bar End Link
The sway bar end link is responsible for connecting the sway bar to the strut. In order to remove the strut mount, the sway bar end link must first be disconnected. Here are the steps on how to do this:
- Locate the sway bar end link. It is usually located near the bottom of the strut.
- Using a wrench, loosen the nut that is holding the sway bar end link to the strut.
- Once the nut is loose, use your hands to remove the sway bar end link from the strut.
- Be careful not to lose the washer that is located between the sway bar end link and the strut.
Additional Details for Step 4:
This step requires caution to prevent damage to the washer. Use a flashlight to locate the washer, which is a thin, metal ring that sits between the sway bar end link and the strut. It is important to remove the washer along with the sway bar end link, as it helps to distribute the load and prevent the sway bar from becoming loose. Carefully slide the washer off the sway bar and store it in a safe place until you are ready to reassemble the suspension.
Separating the Strut from the Steering Knuckle
Once you have disconnected the sway bar end link, you can begin separating the strut from the steering knuckle. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
**Step 1: Remove the Strut Bolt**
Locate the strut bolt that connects the strut to the steering knuckle. Use a 21mm wrench or socket to loosen the bolt, but do not remove it completely at this stage.
**Step 2: Pry the Strut Loose (Option 1)**
Insert a pry bar or a large flat-head screwdriver between the steering knuckle and the strut assembly. Carefully pry the strut loose from the knuckle by applying leverage. You may need to use some force, but avoid damaging any components.
**Step 3: Pry the Strut Loose (Option 2)**
If the strut is particularly stuck, you can use a pickle fork tool. Position the pickle fork between the strut and the knuckle, and use a hammer to gently tap it. The fork’s prongs will pry the strut loose, releasing it from the knuckle.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pry Bar | Less likely to damage components | May require more force |
| Pickle Fork | More effective on stubborn struts | Can potentially damage components if not used carefully |
**Step 4: Remove the Strut Bolt**
Once the strut is loose, completely remove the strut bolt. Be careful not to drop the strut when removing it from the steering knuckle.
**Step 5: Separate the Strut**
Gently pull the strut assembly away from the steering knuckle. The strut should come off easily once the bolt is removed. Be mindful of the brake line and ABS sensor wire connected to the strut.
Removing the Old Strut Mount
1. Locate the strut mount on top of the strut assembly. It will be secured with three bolts.
2. Use an impact wrench or socket wrench to loosen the bolts. Do not remove them completely at this time.
3. Support the strut assembly with a jack or jack stand.
4. Remove the three bolts and lift off the strut mount.
5. Inspect the strut mount for any damage or wear. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
6. Clean the mating surfaces of the strut mount and the strut assembly. Apply a small amount of grease to the mating surfaces to prevent squeaking.
7. Place the new strut mount on top of the strut assembly and align the bolt holes.
8. Thread the bolts into the holes and tighten them to the specified torque.
9. Remove the jack or jack stand from under the strut assembly.
10. Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle.
| Component | Torque |
|---|---|
| Strut Mount Bolts | 75 |
Installing the New Strut Mount
To remove the strut mount, you will need to use a socket wrench to loosen the top nut and bottom bolt securing it to the strut and suspension system. Once the mount is loose, carefully remove it from the top of the strut and discard it.
To install the new strut mount, simply reverse the process in the removal instructions. First, place the new strut mount on top of the strut and secure it with the bottom bolt. Tighten the bolt until it is snug, but do not overtighten it. Next, lift the strut assembly back into place and secure it to the suspension system with the top nut. Again, tighten the nut until it is snug but do not overtighten it.
To ensure the proper alignment and function of the strut mount, it is important to torque the bolts to the specified torque value. The torque values for the strut mount bolts can be found in the vehicle’s service manual or on the strut mount package.
Once the strut mount is properly torqued, you can connect the other components of the suspension, such as control arms, ball joints, and anti-sway bars, and tighten all bolts to the specified torque value.
To verify the installation, it is a good practice to take the vehicle for a test drive and check for proper handling and ride quality. If the vehicle exhibits any unusual behavior or noises, inspect the strut mount and make necessary adjustments or repairs.
The table below summarizes the steps for installing the new strut mount:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loosen the nut on the strut mount |
| 2 | Unscrew the bolt on the strut mount |
| 3 | Remove the strut mount |
| 4 | Place the new strut mount on top of the strut |
| 5 | Tighten the bottom bolt on the strut mount |
| 6 | Lift the strut assembly into place |
| 7 | Secure the strut assembly to the suspension system with the top nut |
| 8 | Torque the bolts to the specified torque value |
| 9 | Connect other suspension components |
Reassembling the Strut Assembly
Once the new strut mount is in place, it’s time to reassemble the strut assembly.
1. Start by threading the strut rod into the upper mount.
2. Then, install the upper mount bearing and spring seat.
3. Next, place the spring over the strut rod and compress it using a spring compressor.
4. Once the spring is compressed, install the upper strut mount.
5. Tighten the upper mount nut to the specified torque.
6. Next, remove the spring compressor.
7. Install the lower strut mount.
8. Tighten the lower strut mount nuts and bolts to the specified torque.
The following table provides the torque specifications for the 2013 BMW 335i strut mount bolts and nuts:
| Bolt or Nut | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Upper strut mount nut | 22 Nm |
| Lower strut mount nuts | 55 Nm |
| Lower strut mount bolts | 22 Nm |
9. Once all of the bolts and nuts are tightened, the strut assembly is complete.
10. You can now install the strut assembly in the vehicle.
Reinstalling the Strut in the Vehicle
After replacing the strut mount, it’s time to reinstall the strut in the vehicle. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
-
Carefully lift the strut assembly and align the mounting points on the strut with those on the vehicle.
-
Insert the bolts through the mounting points and hand-tighten them to secure the strut.
-
Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque, as outlined in the torque specifications table below.
-
Connect the sway bar link to the strut assembly.
-
Reinstall the brake line and ABS sensor to the strut assembly.
-
Tighten the lug nuts on the wheel to secure it.
-
Lower the vehicle to the ground.
-
Tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
-
Torque Specifications
Refer to the following table for the torque specifications for the strut mounting bolts:
Bolt Size Torque M12 103 Nm (75 ft-lb) M14 140 Nm (103 ft-lb)
Disconnect Brake Line Bracket
Locate and disconnect the brake line bracket from the strut mount by unbolting it using a socket wrench.
Remove Three Strut Mount Bolts
Remove the three bolts securing the strut mount to the chassis with a socket wrench. These bolts can be accessed from the engine bay.
Remove Strut Assembly
Carefully pull the strut assembly out of the wheelbase. You may need to wiggle it slightly to dislodge it.
Compress Coil Spring
Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring on the strut assembly. This will release the tension on the coil spring and allow you to safely remove it.
Remove Coil Spring
Slide the coil spring off the strut assembly once it is compressed.
Remove Spring Seat and Insulator
Remove the spring seat and insulator located on the top of the strut assembly.
Unbolt Strut Mount from Strut
Use a socket wrench to unbolt the strut mount from the strut assembly.
Tightening and Torquing Bolts
Tightening the Strut Mount Bolts
Lubricate the threads of the strut mount bolts. Install the bolts and tighten them to the specified torque. Refer to the table below for torque specifications.
| Bolt Size | Torque |
|---|---|
| 12mm | 60 ft-lb |
| 14mm | 80 ft-lb |
| 16mm | 100 ft-lb |
Tightening the Brake Line Bracket
Tighten the brake line bracket bolt to the specified torque using a socket wrench. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual or a reliable online resource for the correct torque specification.
How to Change a 2013 BMW 335i Strut Mount
Replacing a strut mount on a 2013 BMW 335i is a relatively straightforward repair that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and a little mechanical know-how. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Gather your tools and materials. You’ll need a socket wrench, a torque wrench, a new strut mount, and some penetrating oil.
- Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Locate the strut mount that needs to be replaced. It’s located at the top of the strut, where it attaches to the body of the car.
- Remove the nuts that hold the strut mount in place. You may need to use penetrating oil to loosen them.
- Lift the strut mount off of the strut.
- Install the new strut mount on the strut. Make sure that it’s oriented correctly.
- Tighten the nuts that hold the strut mount in place. Torque them to the specified torque value.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Check the alignment of the car. If the alignment is off, you’ll need to have it adjusted by a qualified mechanic.
People Also Ask About How to Change 2013 BMW 335i Strut Mount
How much does it cost to replace a strut mount?
The cost to replace a strut mount can vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the labor rates in your area. In general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor to replace a strut mount.
How long does it take to replace a strut mount?
Replacing a strut mount typically takes between 1 and 2 hours. However, this time may vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as your experience level.
What are the symptoms of a bad strut mount?
There are several symptoms that can indicate that a strut mount is bad. These symptoms include:
- Clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces
- Uneven tire wear
- Reduced handling and stability
- Squealing or creaking noises when turning
