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

Special tools required:

31 2 230
31 5 230

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: Removing Jointed Rod From Left Wishbone

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove WISHBONE FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TRAILING LINK FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

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 Track Rod End Holder, Screw And Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Expanding Swivel Bearing With 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.

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

Remove special tools 31 2 230 .

Fig 5: Aligning Based On Gap To Bridge On Rear Side Of Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 .