31 21 090 Replacing (removing and installing) left or right swivel bearing (M3)

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:

31 2 230
31 5 230

FRONT AXLE - SPECIAL TOOLS

IMPORTANT: To ensure optimum power transmission from the swivel bearing to the spring strut, it is essential to use special tool 31 5 230 for mounting on the spring strut!
Special tool 31 5 230 only be removed after the bolt connection has been tightened down!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front brake disc . See 34 11 220 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH FRONT BRAKE DISCS .

Slacken nut (1).

Remove jointed rod (2) from control arm.

Installation:

Sensor lever (3) must point from ride-height sensor to left front wheel.

Tightening torque 8 Nm .

Fig 1: Identifying Jointed Rod And Sensor Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove control arm from swivel bearing .

Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing . See 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .

Remove tension strut from swivel bearing .

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

Release nut (1), remove holder (3) and remove screw (2).

Installation:

Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Remove special tool 31 5 230 .

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque, see 31 31 3AZ in 31 31 SPRING STRUTS .

Fig 2: Identifying Holder Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Remove pulse generator (2) from swivel bearing.

Installation:

Clean bore hole for pulse generator and grease with Staburags NBU 12/K lubricating grease.

Tightening torque 34 51 4AZ , see 34 51 SLIP CONTROL SYSTEM (DSC) .

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Generator Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Spread swivel bearing under bolt opening to avoid damaging the swivel bearing.

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 .

Lower workshop jack and remove swivel bearing.

Installation:

Keep press fit of swivel gearing and spring strut in lower area clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 4: Removing Swivel Bearing With Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Align special tool 31 5 230 as pictured in order to ensure correct contact with swivel bearing.
Special tool 31 5 230 only be removed after the bolt connection has been tightened down!

Installation:

Spread swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230 , align by means of gap to web (1) on back of spring strut and push upwards.

Pull swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 230 up to stop (tightening torque = 20 Nm).

Remove special tool 31 2 230 .

Fig 5: Pulling Swivel Bearing With Special Tool (31 5 230) Up To Stop

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Modify wheel bearing .
Modify brake carrier/brake guard plate . See 34 11 250 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING A BRAKE CARRIER / BRAKE GUARD PLATE AT FRONT .

After installation:

Replacement: Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION .