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

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: To ensure an optimal power transmission from the swivel bearing to the spring strut, the special tool 31 5 230 must be used for the installation on the spring strut!
Special tool 31 5 230 may only be removed after the screw connection is applied!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

REMOVE front brake disc.

Slacken nut (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 3AZ .

Remove jointed rod (2) from left wishbone.

Installation note:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Wishbone Joint Rod, Lever And Nut

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Remove WISHBONE FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove trailing link from swivel bearing See 31 12 080 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH TENSION STRUTS or 31 12 080 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH TRAILING LINKS .

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and suitable fixture.

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

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nut.

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Fig 2: Identifying Swivel Bearing Holder, Nut And Screw

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Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 34 51 4AZ .

Remove pulse sensor (2) from the swivel bearing.

Installation note:

Clean bore hole for pulse sensor and grease with Staburags NBU 12/K lubricating grease (refer to FRONT AXLE - OPERATING FLUIDS ).

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Sensor Screw

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IMPORTANT: Expand swivel bearing below the screw feed-through to prevent damage to the swivel bearing!

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 .

Lower workshop jack and remove swivel bearing.

Installation note:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Align special tool 31 5 230 as shown to ensure a correct installation on the swivel bearing!
Special tool 31 5 230 may only be removed after the screw connection is applied!

Installation note:

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 , align based on gap to bridge (1) on rear side of spring strut and push upwards.

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tool (31 5 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull swivel bearing to limit position (tightening torque 20 Nm) using special tool 31 5 230 .

Remove special tools 31 2 230 .

Replacement:

Modify WHEEL BEARING .
Modify BRAKE ANCHOR PLATE/BRAKE GUARD PLATE .

After installation:

Replacement: Carry out wheel alignment procedure . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .