31 11 001 Replacing front axle carrier

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 040
• 31 4 051
• 31 4 060
• 33 3 274

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Disconnect Battery Negative Lead
• Secure Engine In Installation Position
• Remove Front Wheels
• Remove Reinforcement Strut / V-Strut 
• E93: Remove mounting fixture
• Remove diesel enclosure on both sides
• Remove Stabilizer 
• Remove Lower Section Of Steering Spindle From Steering Gear
• If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor
• If necessary, disconnect vacuum line from electrically operated valve to engine mounts at T-piece
• Remove Tension Strut On Both Sides From Front Axle Carrier 
• Remove Control Arm On Both Sides From Front Axle Carrier 
• Remove Tie Rod On Both Sides From Steering Gear
• Remove Steering Gear From Front Axle Carrier and tie up

Version with active front steering: 

• Disconnect plug connection from power steering pump and expose connecting cable up to power steering gear
• Disconnect all plug connections from power steering gear

Disconnect plug connections (1, 3).

Expose wiring harness starting from plug connections (1, 3) up to engine carrier.

2 = Holder

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Plug Connections And Holder

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If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack.

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 060 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040.

Align special tool 00 2 040 to front axle carrier.

If necessary, lower special tool 33 3 274.

Support front axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 040.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools (31 4 051), (31 4 060), (00 2 040) And (33 3 274)

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Release screws (1, 2).

Lower front axle carrier on both sides; if necessary, disconnect cooler return line/coolant pipe from front axle carrier.

Installation: 

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts .

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

For tightening torque refer to 31 10 1AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 3: Identifying Front Axle Mounting Screws

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Remove heat shield(s).

Remove wiring harness (1) for active front steering.

Remove Both Engine Mounts (2).

M57T2: Release bolts and remove both support angles (3).

For tightening torque refer to 31 10 4AZ in 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 4: Identifying Wiring Harness, Engine Mounts And Support Angles

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If necessary, disconnect vacuum line (1).

Release bolts and remove reinforcement plates (2).

Installation: 

Use previous front axle carrier as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

For tightening torque 31 10 5AZ in31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 5: Identifying Vacuum Line And Reinforcement Plates

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After installation: 

• Perform Chassis Alignment Check
• Carry out Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment/Adjustment For Active Front Steering