31 12 000 Removing And Installing Left Or Right Control Arm

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2008 MINI Cooper, 2007 MINI Cooper, 2006 MINI Cooper, 2005 MINI Cooper, and 2004 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Numbers and letters in text refer to numbers and letters in figures.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheels, refer to WHEEL AND TIRES - REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS - COOPER
If necessary, remove ride-height sensor

Release nut and use special tool 32 1 190 to detach control arm from steering knuckle.

Fig 1: Detaching Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts

Tightening torque, 56 Nm

Release nut and pull out ball joint with special tool 31 2 240.

Fig 2: Pulling Out Ball Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts

Tightening torque, 80 Nm

Right side: Removal

Fit special tool 31 5 140 as shown on control arm, indentation (2) of 31 5 142 must point in direction of front axle support.

Fig 3: Fitting Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Thrust piece (1) must be fitted as shown.

Bracket 31 5 144 must be fitted as shown on rubber mount.

Pull control arm out of rubber mount while turning at the same time so that it is released from the inner ball joint.

Remove special tool with control arm.

Installation:

Fit tool as shown on new control arm.

Fig 4: Fitting Tool On New Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position thrust piece (1) on reverse side of 31 5 142, fit 31 5 144 as shown on control arm.

Installation:

To facilitate installation, coat rubber mount and control arm pin with Circolight (refer to BMW Parts Service).

Grease rubber mount and hexagon of control arm with suitable antiseize agent.

Position hexagon (1) in correct position on rubber mount and install.

Fig 5: Installing Hexagon

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install control arm until it rests on edge of rubber mount (1). Remove special tool.

Fig 6: Installing Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit control arm complete.

Left side: Removal

Fit special tool 31 5 140 as shown on control arm, indentation (2) of 31 5 142 must point in direction of front axle support.

Fig 7: Fitting Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Thrust piece (1) must be fitted as shown.

Bracket 31 5 144 must be fitted as shown on rubber mount.

Pull control arm out of rubber mount while turning at the same time so that it is released from the inner ball joint.

Remove special tool with control arm.

Installation:

Fit tool as shown on new control arm.

Fig 8: Fitting Tool On New Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position thrust piece (1) on reverse side of 31 5 142, fit 31 5 144 as shown on control arm.

Installation:

To facilitate installation, coat rubber mount and control arm pin with Circolight (refer to BMW Parts Service).

Grease rubber mount and hexagon of control arm with suitable antiseize agent.

Position hexagon (1) in correct position on rubber mount and install.

Fig 9: Installing Hexagon

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install control arm until it rests on edge of rubber mount.

Fig 10: Installing Control Arm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove special tool. Fit control arm complete.