31 12 004 Removing and installing/replacing bottom left or right control arm

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NOTE: If the lower control arm is detached from the front axle support, it is necessary after installation to carry out a wheel alignment. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove STEERING BOX COVER AT SIDE BOTTOM .

Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ .

Release spring strut shock absorber from control arm.

Installation note:

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Replace screw and nut.

Tighten down screw connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Fig 1: Identifying Control Arm Mounting Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slacken nut (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 8AZ .

Release lower control arm/wheel control joint from swivel bearing.

Installation note:

Replace self-locking nut.

Keep wheel control joint to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Adhere to the assembly sequence.

Release nut (1) and remove screw.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ

Remove control arm (2).

Installation note:

Note direction of insertion of screw.

Replace screw and nut.

Tighten down screw connection in NORMAL POSITION .

Fig 2: Identifying Control Arm And Mounting Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Replace wheel control joint at control arm.

After installation:

Carry out wheel alignment procedure. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .