33 32 131 Removing And Installing / Replacing A Steering Knuckle / Wheel Carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2006 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The control arm to wheel carrier connection has been changed from a conical seat to a ball seat.

To ensure a correct bolt connection, check before installing the control arm whether the seat for the control arm matches the seat for the wheel carrier.

Conical seat
Ball seat

Replacement only: Replace control arm with conical seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Conical Seat And Ball Seat

IMPORTANT: Observe safety instructions on raising the vehicle.

Remove rear wheel.

E61: Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system

Release collar nut, activate handbrake for this purpose.

Installation:

Replace collar nut, apply a light coating of oil to contact surface and tighten down. No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Tighten to specified torque. See 33 41 3AZ in REAR AXLE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Secure collar nut by peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Fig 2: Locating Collar Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E61: Remove air spring from wheel carrier

Remove rear brake disk. See 34 21 320 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH REAR BRAKE DISCS (S85) .

Disconnect handbrake Bowden cable from expander lock. See 34 41 120 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING BOTH HANDBRAKE BOWDEN CABLES .

Replacement only: Drive out drive flange for rear axle shaft .

Remove PULSE GENERATOR .

Remove stabilizer link from stabilizer .

Remove spring strut shock absorber/shock absorber from wheel carrier/swinging arm.

Remove integral link .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Do not drive output shaft out of drive flange with an impact tool.

Press output shaft out of drive flange .

Remove guide arm from wheel carrier .

Remove upper control arm from wheel carrier and remove wheel carrier.

Replacement:

Modify rear wheel brake. See 34 21 320 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH REAR BRAKE DISCS (S85) .
Install new wheel bearing .
Modify or replace drive flange
E61: Modify retainer for air spring

IMPORTANT: Check sensor head and line from pulse generator prior to installation for external damage, replacing if necessary.

After installation:

E61: Activate and fill air suspension system.
Adjust handbrake. See 34 10 014 ADJUSTING HANDBRAKE .
Perform chassis alignment check.