31 11 001 Replacing front axle carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. 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 . See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N62, N62TU) .
Remove front wheels .
Remove stabilizer or 37 11 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT ACTIVE STABILIZER .
Disconnect pressure line(s) from vane pump . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.
Disconnect return line from power steering cooler . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.
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 . See 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .
Lower front axle support .

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove pressure lines for oscillating motor of front axle with hose/pipe holders. See 37 13 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINES FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/FRONT AXLE .

Remove vent hose with filter . See 37 10 005 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING VENT HOSE FOR ACTIVE STABILIZER (FRONT) .

Remove heat shield(s).

Disconnect hydraulic lines from power steering gear and front axle carrier. See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.

Remove left engine mount/bracket and right engine mount and if necessary remove with vacuum lines from front axle carrier. See ENGINE AND GEARBOX SUSPENSION (MOUNTS) - REPAIR .

Remove power steering gear . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.

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 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks
Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .
If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation . See 37 10 001 INITIAL OPERATION WITH TEST RUN OF DYNAMIC DRIVE .