31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (universal lifter)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2015 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2014 MINI Cooper Paceman, and 2013 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 5 251
00 2 030
31 5 255
31 5 253

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.
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 front axle support:

Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle

In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEELS .
If necessary, REMOVE UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove complete EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Partially remove FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS at bottom.
All-wheel drive vehicle: Remove PROPELLER SHAFT AT TRANSFER BOX .
Only on right with ride height sensor: Release PLUG CONNECTION AT SENSOR and move back cable.

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

Fig 1: Detaching Lower Section Of Steering Spindle From Steering Box

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ

Detach lower section of steering shaft (2) from steering box and swing towards rear.

Installation note:

Clean thread to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on steering box.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cables are not damaged!

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections On Steering Gear

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Open securing plugs (1) and remove air guide (2). (right-hand side is identical).

Installation note:

Replace faulty securing plugs.

Fig 3: Identifying Securing Plugs And Air Guide

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Disengage cable (1) of pulse sensor on left and right from holder on front axle support.

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering the front axle that the cable of the pulse sensor is not damaged!

Fig 4: Identifying Pulse Sensor Cable

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Undo bolt (1) at anti-roll bar link (2).

Tightening torque 22 11 6AZ

Installation note:

First mount front axle support on engine support and then tighten screw (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Anti-Roll Bar Link And Bolt

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Undo bolt (1) at front panel strut.

Fig 6: Identifying Front Panel Strut Bolt

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Release screws (1) on bumper holder on left.

Tightening torque 51 11 4AZ

Fig 7: 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 cable of the air conditioning compressor is not damaged.

Unclip cable tie (2).

Cut open cable strap (3).

Installation note:

Replace faulty cable straps and cable clips.

Fig 8: Identifying Bumper Holder Screws

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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.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tools

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

NOTE: The jacking points on the left side are shown.

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 253 to front axle support.

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

Fig 10: Aligning Special Tools (31 5 255 And 31 5 253) To Front Axle Support

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Unfasten screws (1) to (3).

Installation note:

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

Make sure screws are installed in correct positions.

Fig 11: Identifying Screws

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Screws (1) M12
Tightening torque 31 11 1AZ
Replace screws (2) M10
Tightening torque 31 11 5AZ
Screws (3) M12

Tightening torque 31 11 2AZ

Risk of damage!

When lowering the front axle support, it is absolutely essential to make sure that the control head (1) of the electric steering box (EPS) does not collide in area (2) with the bulkhead!

Collision with the bulkhead may result in damage to the electric steering box (EPS)!

Fig 12: Identifying Control Head Of Electric Steering Gear (EPS)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 13: Checking Movement Between Front Axle Support, Transmission And A/C Lines

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IMPORTANT: Gasket (1) of electric steering box (EPS) must always be replaced!

Fig 14: Identifying Electric Steering Box (EPS) Gasket

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