31 10 001 Removing and installing complete front axle with engine and transmission (N55 four-wheel drive)

Special tools required:

17 2 050
00 9 030
13 5 161
13 5 162
IMPORTANT: When removing, note that the unit weights approx. 250 to 450 kg.
Check the vehicle payload.
Footwell at front is loaded with approx 200 kg.
Note safety information of TABLE LIFT !

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Position vehicle on vehicle hoist so its weight is centered.
Disconnect battery.
SUCTION OFF the air conditioning.
Remove EXPANSION TANK .
Remove FAN COWL with electric fan.
Drain COOLANT .
REMOVE bulkhead sound insulation.
Detach vacuum line from brake booster.
Detach ENGINE WIRING HARNESS in electronics box and set aside.
Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE
Important installation notes are described in this job item
Remove complete PROPELLER SHAFT .
Remove front BRAKE PADS .
Remove both brake calipers at the front and hang them to one side.

Necessary preliminary work for engine, transmission or front axle support replacement

Following tasks must be carried out before removal of the front axle support with a table lift.

Remove OUTPUT SHAFTS on left and right

Unlock and detach thermostat on radiator (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Thermostat On Radiator

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Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 17 22 4AZ .

Remove engine oil pipe from thermostat (2).

Unlock and detach coolant hose (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Thermostat, Coolant Hose And Screw

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Release hose clamp (1) with special tool 17 2 050 and detach coolant hose (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Hose Clamp

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Unlock and detach charge air line (1) and charge air pipe (2) of charge air cooler and set to one side.

Fig 4: Identifying Charge Air Line And Charge Air Pipe

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Release screws (1) and remove refrigerant lines (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Refrigerant Lines And Screws

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Tightening torque 64 52 1AZ .

Installation note:

Replace sealing rings.

Use special tool 00 9 030 to install sealing rings without damaging them.

Release clamping bolts (1) on steering shaft at the bottom of the steering gear and pull off.

Fig 6: Identifying Clamping Bolts On Steering Shaft

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Installation note:

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolts.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Unlock and detach both electrical connectors (1) on steering gear.

Unclip cable routing from front axle support and fold back cable toward engine support.

Installation note:

Replace faulty cable clips.

Fig 7: Identifying Electrical Connectors On Steering Gear

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Recycling:

Catch and dispose of escaping fuel with auxiliary materials.

Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

Release screws (1) and remove protective plate (2).

Fig 8: Identifying Protective Plate And Screws

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Unfasten fuel line (1) and disconnect.

Unlock and detach tank ventilation line of carbon canister (2).

Fig 9: Identifying Carbon Canister And Fuel Line

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Close off fuel line (1) with special tool 13 5 161 .

Close off fuel line (2) with special tool 13 5 162 .

Fig 10: Identifying Fuel Lines

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Open connector housing (1), pull electrical connection out of bracket and disconnect.

Disengage cable with rubber grommets from holders (2).

Fig 11: Identifying Connector Housing And Holders

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Installation note:

Check that the electrical connectors and rubber grommets are correctly mounted.

Release screws (1) and remove cover (2) left and right.

(Left side: Release connector from outside temperature sensor.)

Fig 12: Identifying Cover And Screws

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Note 31 00 MOBILE TABLE LIFT information.

IMPORTANT: Coordination of table lift from left to right.

Position engine on working surface of table lift A .

Position transmission on working surface of table lift A .

Work surface of table lift B can be adjusted in length (see arrow).

Fig 13: Positioning Engine Assembly On Table Top

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Structure of table lift.

Position adapter (60) on work surface of table lift B for transmission cross-member with coordinates 1/3.

Position adapter (50) on work surface of table lift B for transmission cross-member with coordinates 3/7.

Position adapter (80) on work surface of table lift B under transmission with coordinates 6/4.

Position adapter (70) on work surface of table lift A for front axle support with coordinates 2/1 and 2/8.

Position adapter (10) on work surface of table lift A for swivel bearing with coordinates 4/1 and 5/8.

Position adapter (50) on work surface of table lift A for front axle support with coordinates 8/1 and 8/8.

Fig 14: Positioning Adapter On Work Surface Of Transmission Cross-Member Table Lift

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Possible attachment points of front axle support (1 and 2) and transmission cross-member (3).

Fig 15: Identifying Front Axle Support Attachment Points

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Adapt and secure (3) wheel hub adapter (1) on left and right of wheel hub (2).

Fig 16: Securing Wheel Hub Adapter On Left And Right Of Wheel Hub

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Release left and right spring strut screws (2).

Fig 17: Identifying Left/Right Spring Strut Screws

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Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .

Installation note:

Clean inside contact surface at spring strut dome.

Align spring strut with bore holes on spring strut dome using centering pins and push up.

Release screws of transmission carrier.

Fig 18: Locating Transmission Carrier Screws

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Tightening torque 22 32 3AZ .

Release screws (1) on left and right.

Tightening torque 51 11 6AZ .

Unclip cable tie (2).

Fig 19: Identifying Cable Tie And Screws

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Installation note:

Replace faulty cable clips.

Release bolts (1-3).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Lower front axle support by no more than 10 cm.

Installation note:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Bolt (1) M12x45
Screw (2) M12x165 (foam seal between front axle support and body!)
Screw (3) M14x60

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2,).

Fig 20: Front Axle Support Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence

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Installation note:

Position the table lift beneath the vehicle.

Adjust the table lift to the vehicle inclination using the adjusting screw (2).

Fig 21: Positioning Table Lift Beneath Vehicle

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After installation:

Check and add engine oil.
Fill and bleed hydraulic system.
Check line connections for leak tightness
Check and clear the fault memory