31 11 001 Replacing Front Axle Carrier

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. 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.

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
Draw off and dispose off hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION
Remove front wheels
Remove stabilizer . See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT STABILIZER and REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT ACTIVE STABILIZER .
Remove pressure line and if necessary Dynamic Drive pressure line from VANE PUMP
Disconnect RETURN LINE FROM POWER STEERING COOLER
Remove TENSION STRUT ON BOTH SIDES FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER
Remove jointed rod of ride-height sensor from control arm
Remove CONTROL ARM ON BOTH SIDES FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER
Remove TIE ROD END ON BOTH SIDES FROM SWIVEL BEARING
Lower FRONT AXLE CARRIER

Version with Dynamic Drive:

Remove PRESSURE LINES FOR OSCILLATING MOTOR OF FRONT AXLE with hose/pipe holders.

Remove VENT HOSE WITH FILTER .

Remove heat shield(s).

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

Remove LEFT ENGINE MOUNT/BRACKET AND RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT and if necessary remove with vacuum lines from front axle carrier.

Remove POWER STEERING GEAR

Remove vehicle jack support.

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

Installation:

Use previous front axle subframe 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 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks
Perform WHEEL/CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
Carry out STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT /ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .
If necessary, carry out INITIAL DYNAMIC DRIVE OPERATION .