31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier

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:

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:

Secure engine in installation position, see 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52) .
If necessary, remove assembly underside protection, 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
Remove double pivot of lower steering spindle from power steering gear, see 32 31 219 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DOUBLE JOINT WITH FLEXIBLE DISK .
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 of electrically operated valve at T-piece

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.

After installation:

Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment