31 21 090 Removing and installing/replacing left or right swivel bearing

Necessary preliminary tasks 

• Remove FRONT BRAKE DISC
• Remove FRONT PULSE GENERATOR FROM SWIVEL BEARING

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

Fig 1: Locating Jointed Rod Of Ride-Height Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken CONTROL ARM BOLT CONNECTION ON FRONT AXLE CARRIER  in order to prevent control arm rubber mount from being overelongated.

Remove CONTROL ARM FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TIE ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TENSION STRUT FROM SWIVEL BEARING 

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

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

Installation: 

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 2: Removing Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230.

Lower workshop jack and remove swivel bearing.

Installation: 

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 3: Expanding Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by way of gap to positioning pins (1) on back of spring strut and raise up to stop.

Fig 4: Expanding Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (31 2 230)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Make sure swivel bearing contacts stop (1) correctly.

Fig 5: Identifying Swivel Bearing Contacts Stop

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement 

• Modify WHEEL BEARING  or replace if necessary
• Modify BRAKE CARRIER/BRAKE GUARD PLATE

After installation 

• Perform chassis alignment check  . See CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .
• Carry out STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT