31 21 180 Replacing bearing for front wheel (AWD)

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

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Bearing cannot be dismantled.
Do not wash out bearing.

Remove FRONT WHEEL .

IMPORTANT: Expand turning lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut.

Release collar nut; to do so, press brake pedal to floor.

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut

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Remove FRONT BRAKE DISK .

Force drive flange with special tools 33 2 116 /33 2 201, 33 2 160 , 33 4 200 and 5 wheel bolts out of wheel bearing.

NOTE: Rounded inside edge of special tool 33 2 160 must point to drive flange.

Detach INNER WHEEL BEARING RACE FROM DRIVE FLANGE .

Fig 2: Removing Front Brake Disk Using Special Tool

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Remove SWIVEL BEARING and clamp with aluminium clamping jaws in vice.

IMPORTANT: The bearing was destroyed when the wheel hub was removed and must not be reused!

Lift out retaining ring (1).

Fig 3: Removing Retaining Ring

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Pull out bearing with special tools 31 2 113 , 33 4 261 , 33 3 266 and 33 3 261 .

NOTE: The bearing can be forced out of the swivel bearing on a press.

Check dust sleeve, replace if necessary.

Fig 4: Removing Bearing Using Special Tool

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IMPORTANT: Keep press-fit areas clean and free of oil and grease.
Wider chamfer (1) of bearing must point to swivel bearing!

Clean new bearing on press-fit area and bearing seat in swivel bearing.

Fig 5: Installing Bearing Wider Chamfer To Swivel Bearing

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Align bearing by way of wider chamfer to swivel bearing and draw in up to stop with special tools 31 2 113 , 22 1 018 , 33 4 262 and 33 3 261 .

NOTE: The bearing can be forced out of the swivel bearing on a press.

Fig 6: Aligning Wider Chamfer Bearing To Swivel Bearing Using Special Tools

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Install new circlip (1).

NOTE: Make sure circlip (1) is correctly seated.

Fig 7: Identifying Circlip

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Draw in wheel hub (1) up to stop with special tools 31 2 113 , 33 3 268 , 33 3 266 and 33 3 261 .

Fig 8: Installing Wheel Hub Using Special Tool

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Install SWIVEL BEARING .

Draw OUTPUT SHAFT INTO WHEEL HUB .

Install FRONT BRAKE DISK .

Install front brake calliper.

Replace collar nut, oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface only and tighten down.

No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Tightening torque 31 21 2AZ .

Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Install FRONT WHEEL .

Fig 9: Locating Collar Nut

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