31 12 000 Removing and installing left or right wishbone

Special tools required:

NOTE: If the wishbone is replaced, the wheel alignment must be checked after assembly. See ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT (WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Only on right with ride height sensor: Release LINK AT WISHBONE .

Undo nut at control joint.

Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .

Use special tool 31 2 310 to press wishbone from swivel bearing.

Installation note:

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

Replace nut.

Fig 1: Pressing Wishbone From Swivel Bearing Using Special Tool (31 2 310)

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Unfasten nut.

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Screw special tool 31 1 040 onto joint.

Strike joint from below to release it from taper in front axle carrier.

Installation note:

Keep wishbone to front axle support connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Fig 2: Screwing Special Tool (31 1 040) Onto Joint

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Replace nut.

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 31 12 5AZ .

Release screws (2) on left and right side of vehicle.

Tightening torque 31 12 4AZ .

Installation note:

Replace screws.

Fig 3: Identifying Screws

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Remove wishbone with holder from front axle support.

Fig 4: Identifying Control Arm With Bracket

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Installation note:

The sealing bellows on the joint (wishbone - front axle support connection) must not curve into an unallowed direction during installation (partially inward) (1).

After installation, the sealing bellows must curve outward evenly and along its full area (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Sealing Installation Area

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If the necessary curvature is not achieved, the screw connection of the wishbone must be opened again and the sealing bellows must be realigned or pushed into the necessary shape.

If necessary, the wishbone must be removed again and the sealing bellows must be preformed by pressing them down.