33 31 011 Replacing Rear Axle Carrier

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

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Close off pipe connections with plugs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear differential . See 33 10 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR DIFFERENTIAL .
Remove complete rear axle carrier and if necessary with other workers assisting set down on a suitable surface. See 33 31 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE REAR AXLE CARRIER .
Version with Dynamic Drive: Disconnect pressure lines for oscillating motor of rear axle from rear axle carrier. See 37 13 110 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINE FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/REAR AXLE .
Remove both stabilizer links from stabilizer . See 33 55 040 REPLACING STABILIZER LINK FOR REAR LEFT OR RIGHT STABILIZER .
Remove stabilizer from rear axle carrier . See 33 55 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR STABILIZER or 37 12 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING REAR ACTIVE STABILIZER .
Remove ride-height sensor(s) with holder from rear axle carrier . See 37 14 515 REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT RIDE-HEIGHT SENSOR .

Remove swinging arm on both sides from rear axle carrier . See 33 32 064 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT SWINGING ARM .

Remove control arm on both sides from rear axle carrier . See 33 32 071 REPLACING ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM .

Remove guide arm on both sides from rear axle carrier . See 33 32 091 REPLACING A GUIDE ARM .

Remove wheel carrier on both sides with output shaft, swinging arm and suspension arms.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Build date up to 03/2005:

NOTE: If the rear axle carrier is to be replaced, the parts also ordered (see Fig 2) must be installed. The procedure is described in "... tension strut for rear axle carrier" . See 33 33 001 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT REAR AXLE CARRIER TENSION STRUT .

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Axle Carrier Installation Components

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Activate and fill air suspension system . See 37 00 100 DRAINING/FILLING AIR SPRING SYSTEM .
Version with Dynamic Drive:
- Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
- Check pipe connections for leaks
Adjusting parking brake . See 34 41 006 ADJUSTING PARKING BRAKE .
Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE .
If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation . See 37 10 001 INITIAL OPERATION WITH TEST RUN OF DYNAMIC DRIVE .