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Home >> Mini >> 2011 >> Cooper S Countryman, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Rear Suspension >> Rear Axle - Repair (R60) -- Cooper Countryman >> Rear Sub-Frame >> 33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support (AWD)

33 31 503 Lowering/raising rear axle support (AWD)

Special tools required: 

WARNING: Danger of injury.
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support. This prevents the vehicle from tilting or sliding off the vehicle hoist.
When supporting components, make sure that:
  • the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
  • the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.
IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing rear axle support:
Observe SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030 .

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.
Fig 1: Inserting Special Tools (31 5 255) In Telescopic Supports
G05516132Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 25531 5 253 and 31 5 251 to rear axle support.

Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030 .

IMPORTANT: The center of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.
Tie down rear axle support 33 5 206 to the special tool using a tensioning strap 31 5 251 .
Fig 2: Supporting Rear Axle Support By Operating Workshop Jack (00 2 030)
G11007650Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (2) at rear axle support (1). (right-hand side is identical).

Tightening torque 33 31 1AZ .

Installation note: 

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

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Axle Support And Screws
G11007645Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Undo screw (1) on the cross member (2). (right-hand side is identical).

Tightening torque 33 31 2AZ .

Installation note: 

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

Fig 4: Identifying Cross Member And Screw
G11007599Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lower rear axle support by max. A = 40 mm.

Fig 5: Checking Rear Axle Support Lowering Dimension
G11007648Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.