Lowering/raising the rear axle differential (release output shaft on left or right) (Countryman models with AWD, except PHEV)

Special tools required: 

• 2 358 630 
• 23 4 150 
• 2 406 773
• 33 5 120
• 0 496 862
• 33 5 122
• 2 406 774

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Attention! 

• The rear axle final drive must not be tilted by more than 45° during the installation procedure.
• The circlip of the output shaft must be replaced!

Preliminary work needed: 

• Remove RIGHT REAR WHEEL .
• Remove complete exhaust system.
• Remove heat shields.
• Remove and tie back PROP SHAFT ON REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
• Remove TANK COVER ON THE RIGHT .
• Remove RIGHT COIL SPRING .

Removal: 

Loosen screws (1).

Remove cover (2).

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Disconnect connector (1).

Loosen cable (2) from control unit bracket.

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Secure special tool 2 358 630 to the drive flange with lug bolts.

Press wheel hub upward with special tool 2 358 630 and workshop jack.

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Support rear axle differential (1) with workshop jack and special tool 23 4 150.

Secure rear axle differential against falling out with luggage strap (2).

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Insert support tool 2 406 773 on the left or right into the hole on the rear axle differential.

Press the output shaft out of the rear axle differential on the left or right with jerky movements using special tool 33 5 120 and shaped part 0 496 862.

• Position the thrust piece of screw 33 5 122 on support tool 2 406 773.

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Release screw (1) of rear axle differential.

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Undo screws (1) on left and right of cross member (2) (right side identical).

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Lower rear axle differential (1).

Guide the output shaft out of the transmission by shifting the rear axle differential sideways.

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Do not allow the output shaft (1) to hang on the joints.

Tie up the output shaft (1).

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Installation: 

Replace the RADIAL SHAFT SEAL OF THE OUTPUT SHAFT ON THE LEFT OR RIGHT .

Replace circlip of output shaft.

Parts:  Circlips

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Attention! 

Make sure the installation protection ring has been reinstalled before inserting the output shaft.

Fold open the installation protection ring (1) on the left or right.

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Feed the left or right output shaft (1) into the transmission by shifting the rear axle differential (2) sideways.

After having inserted the output shaft pull on the installation protection ring lug (3) until one of the two predetermined breaking points gives in.

Pull out and dispose of the installation protection ring (3).

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Raise rear axle differential (1).

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Tighten screw (1) of rear axle differential hand force.

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Tighten screws (1) on left and right of cross member (2) (right side identical).

Tightening torque 33 31 3AZ .

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Tighten screw (1).

Tightening torque 33 17 1AZ .

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Use the special tool 2 406 774 and a rubber mallet to drive the left or right output shaft into the rear axle differential.

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Lower workshop jack.

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Secure cable (2) on control unit bracket.

Connect connector (1) to control unit.

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Position cover (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 33 31 8AZ .

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Required follow-up work: 

• Install the RIGHT COIL SPRING .
• Install RIGHT TANK COVER .
• Install PROP SHAFT ON REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
• Install heat shields.
• Completely install the exhaust system.
• Mount RIGHT REAR WHEEL .
• CHECKING OIL LEVEL IN THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL , correcting if necessary.