33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

33 4 420 SUPPORT

NOTE: If the rear axle carrier is detached from the body, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove emergency wheel pan, see 51 71 495 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING EMERGENCY WHEEL PAN .
Remove exhaust system up to catalytic converter, see 18 00 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Remove tunnel thermal insulation
Remove center mount from body and release screw ring, see 26 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING PROPELLER SHAFT (CARDAN UNIVERSAL JOINT) COMPLETELY .
Unclip both handbrake Bowden cables in tunnel
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Brake hose must not be exposed to tensile loads.

Release screw and remove bracket with brake hose.

Tightening torque: 34 32 3AZ, see 34 32 BRAKE LINES .

Fig 1: Locating Bracket With Brake Hose

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Support rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 .

IMPORTANT: Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 and dust plates (1).
To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates (1) are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Remove tension strut, see 33 32 160 Removing and installing/replacing compression strut for rear axle carrier .

Fig 2: Dust Plates With Special Tool (33 4 420)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove stop plate.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts, see 33 00 ... Notes on repairing threads .

Check seating of coil springs with spring pads, correct if necessary.

Tightening torque: 33 33 3AZ, see 33 33 REAR AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 3: Stop Plate And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION