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

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
If necessary, remove UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Release lower BUMPER TRIM .
Partially remove FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS .
R55, R56: Partially remove underbody panelling on left and right at front.
If necessary, disconnect plug connection on ride-height sensor and expose line up to engine carrier.

IMPORTANT: If the steering spindle is separated from the steering gear, this can result in damage to the steering-column switch cluster when the steering wheel is turned!

Fig 1: Removing Lower Section Of Steering Spindle

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Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ .

Detach lower section of steering spindle (2) from steering gear and swing towards rear.

Installation:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw securing adhesive.

Replace screw.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the lines are not damaged.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Gear Plug Connections

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IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the lead of the pulse generator is not damaged.

Disengage lead (1) of pulse generator on left and right from holder on front axle carrier.

Fig 3: Identifying Lead Of Pulse Generator

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Release screws (1) and remove stabilizer link (2).

Tightening torque 22 11 6AZ .

Installation:

First mount front axle carrier on engine carrier and then tighten down screws (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Stabilizer Link With Screws

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Release screws (1) on bumper holder on left.

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Bumper Holder Screws

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Release screws (1) on bumper holder on right.

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ .

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the line is not damaged.

Fig 6: Identifying Bumper Holder Screws, Cable Holder And Cable Tie

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Unclip cable holder (2).

Cut open cable tie (3).

Installation:

Replace cable tie.

WARNING: Risk of injury!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Make sure when supporting components that

the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform

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 4 090 into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040.

Lower special tool 33 3 274.

IMPORTANT: Journals of special tool 31 4 090 must be inserted completely into bores of front axle carrier!

Align special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 090 to front axle carrier.

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

Fig 7: Aligning Special Tools (31 4 051 And 31 4 090) To Front Axle Carrier

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Unfasten screws (1) to (3).

Installation:

Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS .

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Fig 8: Identifying Screws

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Screws (1) M12x85
Tightening torque 31 11 1AZ .
Replace screws (2) M10x60.
Tightening torque 31 11 5AZ .
Screws (3) M12x62
Tightening torque 31 11 2AZ .

IMPORTANT: When lowering the front axle carrier, it is absolutely essential to make sure that the control head (1) of the electric steering gear (EPS) does not collide in area (2) with the bulkhead!
Collision with the bulkhead may result in damage to the electric steering gear (EPS)!

Fig 9: Identifying Control Head Of Electric Steering Gear (EPS)

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IMPORTANT: When lowering and raising, make sure there is freedom of movement between front axle carrier, transmission and A/C lines.

Lower front axle carrier max. to dimension (A) = 120 mm.

Fig 10: Identifying Lower Front Axle Carrier Free Movement Dimension

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IMPORTANT: Seal (1) of electric steering gear (EPS) must always be replaced.

Fig 11: Identifying Seal Of Electric Steering Gear (EPS)

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After installation

Version with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Carry out STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: Only cars with DSC are fitted with a steering angle sensor (integrated in the steering-column switch cluster).