31 11 506 Lowering/raising front axle support (SWZ00-2040)

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Special tools required:

00 2 030
00 2 040
31 4 051
31 4 100
31 4 170
33 3 274

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 or the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle carrier:
In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.
Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Secure engine in installation position with special tool. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54) or 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .
Release LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SPINDLE .
Remove FRONT WHEELS

IMPORTANT: Use special tool to avoid preliminary damage to ball joint in upper control arm and the necessary removal of the swivel bearing.
Press plug on left and right out of spring strut dome.
Secure swivel bearing (1) on left and right with special tool 31 4 170 in installation position.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (31 4 170) In Installation Position

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Remove UNDERBODY PROTECTION AT FRONT AND REAR .

Remove steering gear cover at top left and right. See 51 71... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP LEFT STEERING GEAR COVER and 51 71... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP RIGHT STEERING GEAR COVER

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .

Partially detach FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVERS (REAR SECTION) in rear area.

Remove LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM SPRING STRUT HOLDER .

Version with active steering:

Disconnect plug connection (1) and unclip line (2) from front axle carrier.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection

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Release hydraulic steering hydraulic lines with holder from front axle support. Version with Dynamic Drive - release all Dynamic Drive hydraulic lines from front axle support.

IMPORTANT: To avoid the need for axle/wheel alignment, mark position of steering box (1) to front axle support (2).

To do so, draw a wide white stripe on the rear bolting points (left and right) and apply a thin black mark (3) to this stripe.

Fig 3: Marking Position Of Steering Box To Front Axle Support

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Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom. Tightening torque 32 00 1AZ . Tie up hydraulic steering gear (2).

Installation note: When installing, make sure that the steering box is re-aligned to the marks applied to the front axle support prior to removal. Replace screws and nuts.

Fig 4: Identifying Power Steering Gear And Screws

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Position special tool 00 2 040 with help of 2nd person on workshop jack 00 2 030. Insert special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 into corresponding receptacles of special tool 00 2 040. Drain special tool 33 3 274.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 040) (00 2 030)

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

Align special tools 31 4 051 and 31 4 100 to front axle support. Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (31 4 051) (31 4100)

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Release screws (1, 2). Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ .

Installation note: Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts. Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Follow operations must be carried out during lowering:

Remove heat exchanger from front axle support and tie up. See 17 22 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (N63) or 17 22 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAT EXCHANGER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (M57T2, N54) .
Remove anti-roll bar (conventional) from front axle support and tie up.
Remove all hydraulic lines on front axle support or anti-roll bar retaining bracket and tie up.
Version with active steering: Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to hydraulic steering gear.

Lower front axle support by max. 10 cm.