31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing left or right trailing link

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:

31 2 230 . See FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheels
Remove front assembly underside protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on both sides
If necessary, remove wheel suspension cover
Remove stabilizer links from stabilizer
Remove control arm from swivel bearing

Release nut (1) and remove bolt (3). Installation note: Replace self-locking nut. Tighten bolt connection in normal position. Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ. .

Slacken nut (2). Installation note: Keep tension strut to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease. Replace self-locking nut. Tightening torque 31 12 19AZ. .

Fig 1: Identifying Self-Locking Nut And Bolt

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting. Undo nuts and expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230. Lower swivel bearing approx. 2.5 cm and remove trailing link.

Installation note: Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease. Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by means of gap to bridge on rear side of spring strut and raise up to limit position. Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)