31 12 050 Removing and installing/replacing left or right trailing link (AWD Vehicle)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .

Release collar bolt (1), press brake pedal to floor for this purpose.

Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Collar Bolt

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Installation note:

Renew collar bolt (1) and compression spring (2).
Pay attention to direction of installation of compression spring!
Keep collar bolt and spur gearing of bearing/output shaft clean and free of grease.

IMPORTANT: See installation note on spur gear at the end of the service information.

Fig 2: Identifying Collar Bolt And Compression Spring

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Release screws (1).

Remove front wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation note:

Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Arch Cover And Mounting Screws

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

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Remove tension strut (3) from front axle support.

Installation note:

Replace screw and nut.

Observe assembly sequence.

Fig 4: Identifying Tension Strut, Mounting Nut And Screw

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IMPORTANT: Do not release tension strut from swivel bearing with impact tool.
The swivel bearing must be removed if the steel bushing moves.
Rubber boot of trailing link must not be damaged!
Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Release nut (1) and remove trailing link (2) from swivel bearing.

Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .

Installation note:

Renew self-locking nut (1).

Keep tension strut to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 5: Identifying Trailing Link And Mounting Nut

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Risk of damage!

Observe assembly sequence.

Trailing link must be screwed in normal position!

(Adjustment of normal position, see below).

Installing tension strut:

Install trailing link on front axle support (do not tighten down screw connection).
Adjust trailing link to swivel bearing to dimension (A) and tighten on front axle support.
Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Dimension (A) = 2 cm (vehicle on vehicle hoist, spring strut rebounded)

NOTE: Installing the trailing link to dimension (A) corresponds to the normal position in the compressed state!
Press trailing link into swivel bearing and tighten trailing link/swivel bearing.
Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .

Fig 6: Checking Trailing Link To Swivel Bearing Dimension
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IMPORTANT: Note on installation must be observed without fail!

Installation note:

Spur gearing of bearing (1) and output shaft (2) must be installed form-fit (tooth in tooth)!
Tighten collar bolt and compression spring by hand.
Check whether spur gearing is locked tooth in tooth by reciprocally rotating wheel hub/output shaft.
Once a form-fit has been ensured, tighten to final specified torque.
Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ .

Fig 7: Installing Spur Gearing Of Bearing And Output Shaft
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