33 31 011 Replacing rear axle support

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Read and observe the information on permissible load distribution in the lifting platform instruction manual.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support.

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

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove rear axle final drive . See 33 10 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR DIFFERENTIAL or 33 10 016 / 17 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/RENEWING REAR AXLE FINAL DRIVE (DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE CONTROL) .
Remove REAR AXLE CARRIER .

Remove brake lines.

Remove anti-roll bar . See 37 12 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR ACTIVE ANTI-ROLL BAR or 33 55 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR ANTI-ROLL BAR .

Version with Dynamic Drive: Disconnect control lines for oscillating motor of rear axle from rear axle carrier.

Remove ACTUATOR UNIT (PARKING BRAKE) .

Remove both BRAKE DISCS .

Remove RIDE-HEIGHT SENSOR(S) .

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Axle Carrier Assembly

G08527998

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove both SWINGING ARMS ON REAR AXLE SUPPORT .

Remove both WISHBONES ON REAR AXLE SUPPORT .

Remove both GUIDE ARMS ON REAR AXLE CARRIER .

Remove both wheel carriers with output shaft, swinging arm and suspension arms.

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Carriers, Output Shaft, Swinging Arm And Suspension Arms

G08527999

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Take rear axle support down from special tool with assistance of a 2nd person and set down on a suitable surface.

Installation:

Use previous rear axle support as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Axle Support

G08528000

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation

Activate and fill AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
Carry out RIDE-HEIGHT CALIBRATION .
Bleed braking system . See 32 00 150 KDS WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .
Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK .
If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation.