31 21 090 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Swivel Bearing (AWD)

Special tools required: 

• 31 2 230

Remove front wheel.

Release collar nut; to do so, press brake pedal to floor.

Installation: 

Replace collar nut, apply a light coating of oil to contact surface and tighten down.

Tightening torque 31 21 2AZ .

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

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove brake disk.

Replacement only: Drive out drive flange.

Remove front pulse generator from swivel bearing and remove line from bracket.

Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing.

Remove tension strut from guide joint.

Remove control arm from swivel bearing.

Remove stabilizer link from spring strut and rotate swivel bearing to one side.

Press output shaft out of drive flange and tie up.

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

Release nut (1) and remove holder (2).

Pull out bolt (3) towards front.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Lower workshop jack and remove swivel bearing.

Installation: 

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to positioning pins on back of spring strut and raise as far as it will go.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. Refer to 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement: 

Modify guide joint.

Modify dust sleeve (1).

Modify brake guard plate (2).

Installation: 

Install new wheel bearing.

Draw in drive flange.

Fig 3: Locating Brake Guard Plate And Dust Sleeve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Replacement only: Perform chassis alignment check