Strut assembly question

[gjm120]

I'm putting together struts to replace the current ones. I have nearly all the pieces to completely assemble the struts so I can just remove & replace the existing ones.

My question is regarding parts #6 and 7 in this parts diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0695

I'm nearly sure that #6 goes on in such a way to 'cup' the bearings on the guide support. Part #7 is a slightly convex 55mm washer with a darker ring near the edge (I couldn't upload a photo for some reason). It seems to make more sense with ring side up i.e. against the cupped washer and the flat side against the upper spring plate.

Anybody know if this is correct?

[dailowill]

Originally Posted by gjm120

I'm putting together struts to replace the current ones. I have nearly all the pieces to completely assemble the struts so I can just remove & replace the existing ones.

My question is regarding parts #6 and 7 in this parts diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=31_0695

I'm nearly sure that #6 goes on in such a way to 'cup' the bearings on the guide support. Part #7 is a slightly convex 55mm washer with a darker ring near the edge (I couldn't upload a photo for some reason). It seems to make more sense with ring side up i.e. against the cupped washer and the flat side against the upper spring plate.

Anybody know if this is correct?

I don't think #6 really cups the bearings, rather it just protects particulates from getting into the guide support's inner race. You're right about the darker ring side facing upwards for #7. I think it allows for the guide support to rotate separately from the spring/washer.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by dailowill

I don't think #6 really cups the bearings, rather it just protects particulates from getting into the guide support's inner race. You're right about the darker ring side facing upwards for #7. I think it allows for the guide support to rotate separately from the spring/washer.

Cup was a bad choice of word for #6 but it has a very shallow rim. So by facing the rim up, it helps keep stuff out of the bearing in the strut support as you said.

That makes sense for the ringed washer from putting it together loosely.
Many thanks!

[Washington335i]

Yes, #6 fits snugly around the bottom of the strut mount to protect the bearings. And yes #7 is black ring side up.
Best regards, Chris