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

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front wheels
• Remove front assembly underside protection  . See REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
• If necessary, remove steering gear cover on both sides
• If necessary, remove wheel suspension cover
• Remove anti-roll bar link from anti-roll bar 
• Remove wishbone from swivel bearing 

Release nut (1) and remove bolt (3). Installation note:  Replace self-locking nut. Tighten bolt connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Jointing torque: 100 Nm

Torque angle: 90 °

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: 165 Nm.

Fig 1: Identifying Self-Locking Nut And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting. Undo nuts and expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 (Socket WAF 46). 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 (Socket WAF 46), align by means of gap to bridge on rear side of spring strut and raise up to limit position.

Tightening torque:

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.