33 31 503 Lowering/Raising Rear Axle Carrier (Universal Lifter)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
31 5 250
31 5 253
31 5 256

WARNING: Danger to life! See 51 71 505 MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform.
Remove rear wheels.
Tension both coil springs (and leave on vehicle). See 33 53 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT COIL SPRING .
Remove complete exhaust system and partially detach rear heat insulation. See 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM (N52K) .
Disconnect plug connection on actuating unit (EMF) . See 34 41 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTUATING UNIT WITH CONTROL UNIT FOR PARKING BRAKE (EMF) .
Unclip lines for pulse generator, brake pad sensor or shock absorber above rear axle carrier from holders
Disconnect plug connection at both ride-height sensors

Version with ride-height control:

Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to remove the lower section of the air spring (1).

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Installation:

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

Fig 1: Removing Lower Section Of Air Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

IMPORTANT: To prevent brake fluid from escaping from the expansion tank when the brake lines are opened, do not remove the pedal support until the brake lines have been reconnected.

Fig 2: Locating Brake Pedal Support Knob

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position an oil tray underneath to catch brake fluid.

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation:

Make sure brake hose is laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque. See REAR AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Brake Hoses

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage special tool 31 5 250 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.
Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 250) And (00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tool 31 5 256 to opening in rear axle carrier.

Align special tools 31 5 253 to cross-member arms on rear axle carrier.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 253) And (31 5 256)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove underbody panelling (rear section) . See 51 47 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDERBODY PANELLING .

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to control lines (2) when lowering and raising. Hydraulic lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

1 = Banjo bolts

Fig 6: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Control Lines

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Lower rear axle carrier only until such stage that the rubber mounts can be changed.

Remove front and rear compression struts and carefully lower rear axle carrier approx. 50 mm. See 33 32 153 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT COMPRESSION STRUT and 33 32 155 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR COMPRESSION STRUT .

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Bleed braking system . See 34 00 050 BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM WITH DSC .

IMPORTANT: If the pedal support is removed or slips before the brake lines are connected, it will be necessary to bleed the brake system at front and rear!