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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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.

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

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 37 14 3AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Jointed Rod And Ride Height Sensor Lever With Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove CONTROL ARM FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove TIE ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

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 31 31 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Holder Screw And Nut

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 .

Fig 3: Identifying Pulse Generator Of Swivel Bearing With 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 SOCKET .

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: Identifying Swivel Bearing With Special Tool 31 2 230

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 SOCKET , 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 SOCKET .

Fig 5: Aligning Special Tool 31 5 230

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement

Modify WHEEL BEARING
Modify BRAKE CARRIER/BRAKE GUARD PLATE

After installation

Replacement: Perform chassis alignment check See 3200150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 3200155 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD