31 11 001 Replacing front axle carrier (6-cylinder)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, 2007 BMW X3, and 2006 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 040 BASIC TAKE-UP FIXTURE
31 4 051
31 4 052
33 3 274

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down, see 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead, see THE BATTERY .
Secure engine in installation position, see 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) .
Remove front wheels, see 36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL .
Remove underbody protective plate, see 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove reinforcement plate, see 31 10 010 Removing and installing/replacing reinforcement plate .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on both sides
Partially detach front wheel arch trim on both sides in rear area, see 51 71 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from EH converter and remove line from front axle carrier
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor and remove line from front axle carrier
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line for electrically operated valve at T-piece
Remove tension strut on both sides from front axle carrier, see 31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing left or right tension strut .
Remove control arm on both sides from front axle carrier, see 31 12 000 Removing and installing/replacing left or right control arm .
Disconnect pressure line for power steering from front axle carrier
Remove power steering gear from front axle carrier and tie up, see 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR .

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.

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

If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack.

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 052 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle subframe.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274 .

Support front axle subframe by raising special tool 00 2 040.

Fig 1: Special Tools (31 4 052) And (31 4 051)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to power steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising. Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque: 31 10 2AZ, see 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Release screws (2, 3).

Tightening torque: 31 10 3AZ, see 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

If necessary, disconnect pressure line for power steering from front axle carrier.

Lower front axle carrier.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts, see 31 00 ... Notes on repairing threads .

Replace all bolts.

Tighten down bolts (1) and then bolts (2, 3).

Fig 2: Front Axle Carrier Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove stabilizer from front axle carrier and tie up, see 31 35 000 Removing and installing/replacing front stabilizer .

Continue lowering front axle carrier, remove and set down on a suitable surface.

Remove engine mounts on both sides and if necessary remove with vacuum lines from front axle carrier, see 22 11 001 REPLACING RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT (N52K) .

If necessary, remove stoneguard on both sides.

Installation:

Use previous front axle subframe as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Fig 3: Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check, see 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment