31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (universal lifter)

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Special tools required:

00 2 030
31 4 170
31 5 250
31 5 255
31 5 256

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle carrier:
In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position with special tool. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .
Remove FRONT WHEELS

IMPORTANT: Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm and the necessary removal of the swivel bearing.
Press plug on left and right out of spring strut dome.
Secure swivel bearing (1) on left and right with special tool 31 4 170 in installation position.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (31 4 170) In Installation Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove UNDERBODY PROTECTION AT FRONT AND REAR .

Remove steering gear cover at top left and right. See 51 71... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP LEFT STEERING GEAR COVER and 51 71... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP RIGHT STEERING GEAR COVER

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .

Partially detach FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS (REAR SECTION) in rear area.

Remove LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM SPRING STRUT HOLDER .

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) and unclip line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release hydraulic steering hydraulic lines with holder from front axle support.

Version with Dynamic Drive: - release all Dynamic Drive hydraulic lines from front axle support.

Fig 3: Marking Position Of Steering Box

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IMPORTANT: To avoid the need for axle/wheel alignment, mark position of steering box (1) to front axle support (2).

To do so, draw a wide white stripe on the rear bolting points (left and right) and apply a thin black mark (3) to this stripe.

Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom.

Tie up power steering gear (2).

Installation:

Replace screws and nuts.

Tightening torque 32 00 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Power Steering Gear Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage special tool 31 5 250 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by toothing.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 256, 31 5 255 And 31 5 250 With 00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig 6: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 255 And 31 5 256) To Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1, 2).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Follow operations must be carried out during lowering:

Remove heat exchanger from front axle carrier and tie up. See 17 22 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (N63) or 17 22 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAT EXCHANGER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (M57T2, N54) .
Remove STABILIZER (CONVENTIONAL) FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER and tie back
Remove all hydraulic lines on front axle carrier or stabilizer retaining bracket and tie up
Version with active front steering: Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to power steering gear

Lower front axle carrier by max. 10 cm.