31 11 001 Replacing front axle carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger to life!
Secure engine in installation position to prevent it from falling down.. See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52, N53) .
DANGER OF POISONING IF OIL IS INGESTED/ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN !
RISK OF INJURY IF OIL COMES INTO CONTACT WITH EYES AND SKIN !

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Seal off hydraulic lines with plugs.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead . See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Secure engine in installation position . See 11 00 670 SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N52, N53) .
Remove front wheels.
Remove stabilizer . See 31 35 000 Removing and installing/replacing front stabilizer or 37 11 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT ACTIVE STABILIZER
Disconnect pressure line(s) from vane pump . See PUMP AND OIL SUPPLY .
Disconnect return line from power steering cooler . See 32 41... NOTES ON HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-CONNECT COUPLING .
Remove both tension struts from front axle carrier
Remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from control arm
Remove both control arms from front axle carrier
Remove both tie rod ends from swivel bearing . See 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .
Lower front axle support

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove pressure lines for oscillating motor of front axle with hose/pipe holders. See 37 13 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PRESSURE LINES FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR/FRONT AXLE .

Remove vent hose with filter . See 37 10 005 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING VENT HOSE FOR ACTIVE STABILIZER (FRONT) .

Remove heat shield(s).

Disconnect hydraulic lines from power steering gear and front axle carrier. See 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or 32 13 065 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .

Remove left engine mount/bracket and right engine mount and if necessary remove with vacuum lines from front axle carrier. See ENGINE AND GEARBOX SUSPENSION .

Remove power steering gear . See 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or 32 13 065 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .

Remove vehicle jack support.

Take front axle carrier down and set down on a suitable surface.

Installation:

Use previous front axle carrier as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks
Perform chassis alignment check
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING or 61 31 996 CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .
If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation . See 37 10 001 INITIAL OPERATION WITH TEST RUN OF DYNAMIC DRIVE .