31 12 000 Removing and installing/replacing left or right control arm

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NOTE: If the control arm is detached from the front axle carrier, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheel. See 10 WHEELS .
Remove front assembly underside protection. See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .

If necessary, remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from control arm.

Fig 1: Locating Jointed Rod Of Ride-Height Sensor

G04726259

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1); if necessary, grip at Torx socket (T40).

Installation:

Keep control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque, see 31 12 4AZ in 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 2: Identifying Nut

G04726260

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Remove screw towards front; if necessary remove bracket (2) with ride-height sensor.

Take off control arm.

Installation:

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position.

Tightening torque, see 31 12 3AZ in 31 12 CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS .

Fig 3: Identifying Nut And Bracket

G04726261

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check. See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering. See 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .