31 12 004 Removing and installing/replacing left or right lower control arm

Special tools required:

NOTE: If the lower 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 WHEELS
Remove STEERING GEAR COVER AT SIDE BOTTOM

Secure special tool 31 5 220 to drive flange with wheel studs. Support swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 220 and workshop jack.

Fig 1: Supporting Swivel Bearing With Special Tool (31 5 220) And Workshop Jack

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Installation:

Replace screw and nut.

Note insertion direction of screw.

Tighten bolt connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Nut And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (1).

Remove screw (2) and remove control arm (3) from front axle carrier.

Installation:

Note insertion direction of screw.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten screw connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Control Arm Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not release control arm from swivel bearing with impact tool.
Make sure special tool rests correctly on steel bushing of swivel bearing. The swivel bearing must be removed if the steel bushing moves.
Rubber gaiter of control arm must not be damaged!
Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Slacken nut (1) two to three thread turns.

If necessary, replace lower section 31 2 242 with lower section 31 2 247.

Press control arm (2) with special tool 31 2 240 off swivel bearing.

Unscrew nut (1) and remove control arm (2) from swivel bearing.

Fig 4: Pressing Control Arm With Special Tool 31 2 240 Swivel Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 4AZ .

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 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING and 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .