31 21 090 Replacing (removing and installing) left or right swivel bearing (AWD): Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2010 BMW 328xi, 2009 BMW 328xi, and 2008 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove front wheel.

IMPORTANT: Expand turning lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut.

Release collar nut; to do so, press brake pedal to floor.

Installation:

Replace collar nut, oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface only and tighten down.

Fig 1: Locating Collar Nut

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

Tightening torque 31 21 2AZ .

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

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

Replacement only: Drive out WHEEL HUB .

Remove pulse generator from swivel bearing. See REPLACING ONE FRONT PULSE SENSOR .

Remove TIE ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove GUIDE JOINT FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove CONTROL ARM FROM SWIVEL BEARING .

Remove STABILIZER LINK FROM SPRING STRUT .

Turn swivel bearing to one side.

Press OUTPUT SHAFT OUT OF WHEEL HUB and tie up.

IMPORTANT:

Check sensor head and line from pulse generator prior to installation for external damage, replacing if necessary.

Support swivel bearing with workshop jack and a suitable mounting.

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

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 2: Identifying Holder With Nut And Screw

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Screw head must point in direction of travel.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 31 31 3AZ .

Installation:

Expand swivel bearing with special tool 31 2 230, align by way of gap to positioning pins (1) on back of spring strut and raise up to stop.

Fig 3: Aligning Gap To Positioning Pins On Back Of Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.