33 31 000 Removing and installing complete rear axle carrier

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 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove brake disc on both sides  . See 34 21 320 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH REAR BRAKE DISCS .
• 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  

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: Aligning Special Tool To Rear Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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  . See 33 33 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION .

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation: 

• Version with Dynamic Drive: 
  • 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
  • If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation  . See 37 10 001 INITIAL OPERATION WITH TEST RUN OF DYNAMIC DRIVE .
• Adjust handbrake. See 34 10 014 ADJUSTING HANDBRAKE .