31 11 001 Replacing front axle carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger to life!
SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION to prevent it from falling down.
DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD
Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION
Remove FRONT WHEELS
Remove stabilizer. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT STABILIZER or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT ACTIVE STABILIZER .
Disconnect pressure line(s) from vane pump. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH ACTIVE FRONT STEERING , REMOVING AND INSTALLING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE (N54) , or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING VANE PUMP FOR POWER STEERING (N54) . Refer to PUMP AND OIL SUPPLY .
Disconnect RETURN LINE FROM POWER STEERING COOLER
Remove both TENSION STRUTS FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER
Remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from control arm
Remove both CONTROL ARMS FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER
Remove both TIE ROD ENDS FROM SWIVEL BEARING
Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove PRESSURE LINES FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR OF FRONT AXLE with hose/pipe holders.

Remove VENT HOSE WITH FILTER .

Remove heat shield(s).

Disconnect hydraulic lines from power steering gear and front axle carrier. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .

Remove LEFT ENGINE MOUNT /BRACKET and RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT and if necessary remove with vacuum lines from front axle carrier.

Remove power steering gear. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .

Remove vehicle jack support.

Take front axle carrier down and set down on a suitable surface.

Installation:

Use previous front axle carrier as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks
Perform chassis alignment check. See KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active steering. See ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING and CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .
If necessary, carry out INITIAL DYNAMIC DRIVE OPERATION