33 32 131 Removing And Installing / Replacing A Steering Knuckle / Wheel Carrier

To ensure a correct bolt connection, check before installing the control arm whether the seat for the control arm matches the seat for the wheel carrier.

A: Conical seat

B: Ball seat

Fig 1: Identifying Conical Seat And Ball Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:  Replace control arm with conical seat.

Remove rear wheel.

E61: Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system

Release collar nut, activate handbrake for this purpose.

Installation:  Replace collar nut, oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface lightly and tighten down.

No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Tightening torque 33 41 3AZ.

Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Fig 2: Locating Collar Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove REAR BRAKE DISC .

Disconnect handbrake BOWDEN CABLES from expander lock.

Replacement only: Drive out drive flange  for rear axle shaft.

Remove PULSE GENERATOR .

Remove stabilizer link  from stabilizer.

Remove spring strut shock absorber/shock absorber  from wheel carrier/swinging arm.

Remove integral link .

Press output shaft  out of drive flange.

Remove guide arm  from wheel carrier.

Remove upper control arm  from wheel carrier and remove wheel carrier.

Replacement

• Modify rear wheel brake. See 34 21 171 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING A BRAKE CARRIER / BRAKE GUARD AT REAR
• Install new wheel bearing
• Modify or replace DRIVE FLANGE .
• E61: Modify retainer for air spring

After installation: 

• E61: Activate and fill air suspension system
• Adjust HANDBRAKE .
• Perform chassis alignment check