31 10 000 Removing and installing complete front axle (with spring struts)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

IMPORTANT: Before removing front axle carrier:
In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down.
DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Close off pipe connections with plugs.

Recycling

Catch and dispose of hydraulic fluid in a suitable container.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations

Necessary preliminary tasks

Secure engine in installation position
Clamp off BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD
Remove both brake calipers from swivel bearing and tie up
Disconnect both plug connections for pulse generators and expose lines up to holder on spring strut
Detach plug connection for brake pad sensor and expose lines up to holder on spring strut
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION
If necessary, remove radiator seal
If necessary, remove steering gear cover on left and right
Remove REINFORCEMENT STRUT/V-STRUT
E93: Remove diagonal struts from mounting fixture
Remove LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE FROM STEERING GEAR
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece

Version with power steering:

Draw off and dispose of hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Disconnect pressure line from vane pump . See 32 41 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) VANE PUMP FOR HYDRAULIC STEERING (N54/N55) or PUMP AND OIL SUPPLY .
335 d: Disconnect COOLER RETURN LINE FROM POWER STEERING LOOP .
Detach RETURN LINE FROM POWER STEERING COOLER and expose line up to connection on power steering gear.

Version with active steering:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Carrier Electric Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Electric Power Steering (EPS):

Disconnect plug connections (1) and expose wiring harness up to engine carrier.

Installation:

Plug connections must audibly snap into place.

Make sure wiring harness is correctly laid.

Fig 2: Identifying Electric Power Steering (EPS) Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Guide spring struts with your hand when lowering and raising in order to avoid damaging the wheel arches.
After lowering, the spring struts must be aligned to the front axle carrier and secured in such a way that the ball joints of the control arms, tension struts and tie rod ends are not damaged.

Remove both SPRING STRUTS FROM SPRING STRUT DOME .

Lower front axle carrier See 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (UNIVERSAL LIFTER) or 31 11 506 LOWERING/RAISING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT (SWZ00-2040) .

After installation:

Fill and bleed HYDRAULIC SYSTEM .
Check pipe connections for leaks
Carry out wheel alignment check . 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 if a spring strut with support bearing was or has been installed without centering pin.
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .