31 12 000 Removing and installing left or right wishbone

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 2 310
31 1 040

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)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Replace nut.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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:

Fig 3: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace screws.

Remove wishbone with holder from front axle support.

Fig 4: Identifying Control Arm With Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

Fig 5: Identifying Sealing Installation Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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.