31 21 090 Replacing (removing and installing) left or right swivel bearing (M3)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

IMPORTANT: To ensure optimum power transmission from the swivel bearing to the spring strut, it is essential to use special tool 31 5 230 for mounting on the spring strut!
Special tool 31 5 230 only be removed after the bolt connection has been tightened down!

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove FRONT BRAKE DISC

Slacken nut (1).

Remove jointed rod (2) from control arm.

Installation:

Sensor lever (3) must point from ride-height sensor to left front wheel.

Tightening torque 37 14 3AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Jointed Rod And Ride Height Sensor Lever With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove CONTROL ARM FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TIE ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TENSION STRUT FROM SWIVEL BEARING

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

Release nut (1), remove holder (3) and remove screw (2).

Installation:

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Remove special tool 31 5 230.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Holder Screw And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Remove pulse generator (2) from swivel bearing.

Installation:

Clean bore hole for pulse generator and grease with Staburags NBU 12/K lubricating grease.

Tightening torque 34 51 4AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Generator Of Swivel Bearing With Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Spread swivel bearing under bolt opening to avoid damaging the swivel bearing.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 SOCKET .

Lower workshop jack and remove swivel bearing.

Installation:

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 4: Identifying Swivel Bearing With Special Tool 31 2 230

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Align special tool 31 5 230 as pictured in order to ensure correct contact with swivel bearing.
Special tool 31 5 230 only be removed after the bolt connection has been tightened down!

Installation:

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 SOCKET , align by means of gap to web (1) on back of spring strut and push upwards.

Pull swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 230 up to stop (tightening torque = 20 Nm).

Remove special tool 31 2 230 SOCKET .

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tool 31 5 230

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement

Modify WHEEL BEARING
Modify BRAKE CARRIER/BRAKE GUARD PLATE

After installation

Replacement: Perform chassis alignment check See 3200150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 3200155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD