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

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 . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54, N54T) 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 . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N55) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54, N54T) .
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.
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 Plug Connections And Connecting Line (Version With Active Steering)

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 Plug Connections (Version With Electric Power Steering (EPS))

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