31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (special tool SWZ00-2040)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030 . See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .
00 2 040
31 4 051 . See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .
31 4 100
31 4 170

WARNING: Danger to life!
Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52, N53) .
Remove front wheels

IMPORTANT: Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm and the necessary removal of the swivel bearing.

Press plug on left and right out of spring strut dome.

Secure swivel bearing (1) on left and right with special tool 31 4 11 in installation position.

Fig 1: Identifying Swivel Bearing

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Remove underbody protection at front and rear . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION or 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Remove steering gear cover at top left and right .

Remove reinforcement plate .

Partially detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.

Remove lower control arm from spring strut holder .

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) and unclip line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Line

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Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom.

Tie up power steering gear (2).

Installation:

Replace screws and nuts.

Tightening torque 32 00 1AZ . See 00 ELECTRONIC CHASSIS ALIGNMENT .

Fig 3: Identifying Power Steering Gear And Screws

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If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 4: Inserting Special Tools 31 4 051 And 31 4 100 Into Corresponding Mountings Of Special Tool 00 2 040

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

Align special tools 314051 and 314100 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools 314051 And 314100 To Front Axle Carrier

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Release screws (1, 2).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts .

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ . See 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 6: Identifying Screws

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Follow operations must be carried out during lowering:

Remove heat exchanger from front axle carrier and tie up
Remove stabilizer (conventional) from front axle carrier and tie back
Remove all hydraulic lines on front axle carrier or stabilizer retaining bracket and tie up
Version with active front steering: Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to power steering gear

Lower front axle carrier by max. 10 cm.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .