31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle carrier (special tool SWZ00-2040)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030
00 2 040

MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS

31 4 051
31 4 100
31 4 170

FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle carrier:
In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S65) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position with special tool . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (S65) .
Remove front wheels . See WHEEL AND TIRES - REPAIR .

IMPORTANT: Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm and the necessary removal of the swivel bearing.
Press plug on left and right out of spring strut dome.
Secure swivel bearing (1) on left and right with special tool 31 4 170 in installation position.

Fig 1: Identifying Swivel Bearing Installation Position

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Remove underbody protection at front and rear .

Remove steering gear cover at top left and right .

Remove reinforcement plate .

Partially detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.

Remove lower control arm from spring strut holder .

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) and unclip line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection And Unclip Line

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Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom.

Tie up power steering gear (2).

Installation:

Replace screws and nuts.

Tightening torque, see 32 00 1AZ in 32 00 STEERING .

Fig 3: Identifying Power Steering Gear With Screws

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If necessary, position special tool 00 2 040 with a 2nd person helping on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 .

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool Position

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NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 to front axle carrier.

Support front axle carrier by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tools (31 4 051 And 31 4 100) To Front Axle Carrier

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Release screws (1, 2).

Installation:

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

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

Tightening torque, see 31 10 FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION .

Fig 6: Identifying Screws

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Follow operations must be carried out during lowering:

Remove heat exchanger from front axle carrier and tie up
Remove stabilizer (conventional) from front axle carrier and tie back
Remove all hydraulic lines on front axle carrier or stabilizer retaining bracket and tie up
Version with active front steering: Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to power steering gear

Lower front axle carrier by max. 10 cm.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .