Replacing front axle support (Cooper Convertible)

Special tools required: 

• 31 5251

Preliminary work needed: 

• Remove front AXLE COMPLETELY .

Removal: 

Loosen screws (1).

Remove heat shield (2).

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Release screws (1) from anti-roll bar.

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Remove anti-roll bar (1) with retainer from front axle.

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Unscrew the screws (1).

Remove steering gear (2).

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Loosen screws (1).

Remove deformation element adapter (2) from front axle support.

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Only for right ride height sensor:

Release screw (1).

Release ride height sensor holder (2) from front axle support.

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Loosen screws (1).

Release screw (2).

Remove wishbone on left and right.

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Only for gasoline engines (not for PHEV)

Release clips and cable clip (2).

Remove purge air line (1).

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Installation: 

Only for gasoline engines (not for PHEV) 

Secure the purge air line (1) to the new front subframe using the clips and the cable clip (2).

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Replace the square nut (1).

Parts  : Square nut

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Place new front axle support on special tool 31 5 251 and secure with luggage strap.

Align wishbone (3).

Replace screw (2).

Parts  : Screw

Screw in screw (2).

• Do not yet tighten screw (2)!

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 31 12 3AZ .

Tighten screw (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 2AZ .

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Only for right ride height sensor:

Align ride height sensor holder (2) to front axle support.

Tighten screw (1).

Tightening torque 37 14 2AZ .

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Align deformation element adapter (2) to front axle support.

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 31 11 3AZ .

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Attention! 

The seal (1) of the electromechanical steering gear (EPS) must always be replaced!

Remove gasket (1).

Clean surface on steering gear.

Replace gasket (1).

Parts  : Gasket

Position and bond the new gasket (1).

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Position steering gear (2).

Replace screws (1).

Parts  : Screws

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 32 00 1AZ .

Attention! 

The bores for the steering gear screw connection in the front subframe do not have any thread. 

New self-tapping screws must be used.! 

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Place anti-roll bar (1) with retainer on front axle and align.

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Replace screws (1).

Parts  : Screws

Tighten screws (1) on anti-roll bar.

Tightening torque 31 35 3AZ .

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Align heat shield (2).

Replace screws (1).

Parts  : Screws

Tighten down screws (1).

Tightening torque 32 00 2AZ .

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Required follow-up work: 

• Install FRONT AXLE .
• Perform either KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KINEMATICS DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOADING THE VEHICLE .