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Home >> Mini >> 2010 >> Cooper Base, 2D Hatchback, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 163 (Suspension - Front - Cooper (R50), Cooper S (R53) & Convertible (R52)) >> Removal & Installation >> 31 11 001 Replacing Front Axle Support

31 11 001 Replacing Front Axle Support

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Necessary preliminary tasks: 

After completing work, carry out electronic wheel alignment check. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES .

Unscrew nuts (1).

Fig 1: Bracket For Supply Reservoir
G00438940Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque, 8 Nm

Release nut (2) and remove bracket from supply reservoir.

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque, 6 Nm

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 2: Plug Connections
G00438941Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach plug connection (2) in direction of arrow.

If necessary, disconnect fan plug connection for power steering.

If necessary, remove cable tie.

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

Fig 3: Lower Steering Spindle
G00438942Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fold back lower steering spindle in direction of arrow.

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque, 21 Nm

CVT only: 

Slacken cable lock nut (1).

Fig 4: Cable Lock Nut
G00438943Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove retainer.

Press retaining clips (2) together and remove cable (4) downwards out of bracket (3).

WARNING: Support front axle support with a suitable tool (workshop jack) over a large area and secure against slipping.

Unscrew bolt (1).

Fig 5: Holder
G00438944Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Tightening torque, 100 Nm

Release screw (2) and remove holder (3).

Installation: 

Tightening torque, 100 Nm

Release screws (1) on front axle support at front.

Fig 6: Front Axle Support At Front
G00438945Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Tightening torque, 100 Nm

Release screws (1) from control arm bracket.

Fig 7: Control Arm Bracket
G00438946Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Replace screws, tightening torque, 59 Nm, torque angle 90° +/- 15°

Tighten down screw (1) only after all other screws on the front axle support have been tightened down. This will prevent the casing from being subjected to torsion stress.

Release screws (1).

Fig 8: Screws
G00438947Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Tightening torque, 100 Nm

IMPORTANT: When lowering the front axle support, make sure that the supply reservoir is guided cleanly through the engine compartment.
Cars with CVT transmission: feed out cable for gear selector lever between steering gear and front axle support.
IMPORTANT: Hold supply reservoir vertically upwards with a suitable tool.
Fig 9: Supply Reservoir
G00438948Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: The following components must be modified when the front axle support is replaced:
  • Stabilizer
  • Power Steering Pump
  • Steering Gear
  • Control Arm
  • Ball joint for control arm
  • Retaining clip for underbody paneling

Release screws (1) on stoneguard and modify stoneguard.

Fig 10: Stoneguard
G00438949Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Tightening torque, 7 Nm

Installation: 

Modify retaining clip (1), replace if necessary.

Fig 11: Retaining Clip
G00438950Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.