31 12 004 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Lower Control Arm

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

31 2 240
31 2 247
31 5 220

WARNING: Danger to life!
Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down. See 51 71 505 MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM .

NOTE: If the lower control arm is detached from the front axle carrier, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front wheel
Remove steering gear cover at side bottom . See 51 71 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTTOM LEFT OR RIGHT STEERING GEAR COVER .

Secure special tool 31 5 220 to drive flange with wheel studs.

Support swivel bearing with special tool 31 5 220 and workshop jack.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (31 5 220)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut (1) and remove screw (2).

Installation:

Replace screw and nut.

Note insertion direction of screw.

Tighten bolt connection in normal position .

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Nut And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew nut (1).

Remove screw (2) and remove control arm (3) from front axle carrier.

Installation:

Note insertion direction of screw.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten screw connection in normal position.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Control Arm, Nut And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not release control arm from swivel bearing with impact tool.
Make sure special tool rests correctly on steel bushing of swivel bearing. The swivel bearing must be removed if the steel bushing moves.
Rubber gaiter of control arm must not be damaged!
Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Slacken nut (1) two to three thread turns.

If necessary, replace lower section 31 2 242 with lower section 31 2 247 .

Press control arm (2) with special tool 31 2 240 off swivel bearing.

Unscrew nut (1) and remove control arm (2) from swivel bearing.

Installation:

Keep control arm to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque. See FRONT AXLE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Identifying Control Arm, Nut And Special Tool (31 2 247)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING and 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .