33 31 000 Removing and installing complete rear axle carrier

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

33 4 232 . See REAR AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS .

33 4 233

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove brake disc on both sides . See 21 REAR BRAKES .
Disconnect handbrake cable on both sides of wheel brake and remove from hanging hook. See 34 41 120 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING BOTH HANDBRAKE BOWDEN CABLES .
Remove propeller shaft from rear differential and tie back or remove completely if necessary. See 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE PROPELLER SHAFT (CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT) .
Detach plug connection for pulse generator on both sides and expose line up to control arm
Detach plug connection for brake pad wear sensor on right and expose line up to control arm
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
Remove spring strut shock absorber on both sides from wheel carrier

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
When supporting components, make sure that
the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

Insert special tools 33 4 233 and 33 4 232 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Align special tool 00 2 040 to rear axle carrier.

Support rear axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 030 .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 030, 00 2 040 And 33 4 233)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Disconnect pressure lines at point of separation II and seal with plugs.

Remove tension struts .

Release screws (1) and remove stop plate (2).

Lower rear axle carrier (3).

Installation:

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

First install tension struts and then tighten down bolts (1). Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ , see 33 AXLE MOUNTING .

Fig 2: Identifying Rear Axle Carrier, Stop Plate And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Disconnect pressure lines at point of separation II and seal with plugs. See 37 13 110 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINE FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/REAR AXLE .

Remove tension struts .

Release screws (1) and remove stop plate (2).

Lower rear axle carrier (3).

Installation: Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts. First install tension struts and then tighten down bolts (1). Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Screws, Stop Plate And Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) .
Check pipe connections for leaks
If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation.

Adjust handbrake . See 34 10 014 ADJUSTING HANDBRAKE .