31 11 001 Replacing Front Axle Carrier (AWD)

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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
Remove reinforcement plate
Remove steering gear cover on both sides
Remove lower steering spindle from power steering gear. See 32 31 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION (AWD) .
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from EH converter and remove line from front axle carrier.
If necessary, remove ride-height sensor with line from front axle carrier. See 37 14 511 REPLACING FRONT RIDE-HEIGHT SENSOR .
If necessary, unclip vacuum line for engine mount from engine support arm and disconnect.
Remove tension strut from front axle carrier.
Remove control arm from front axle carrier.
Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing. See 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD END (AWD) .
Lower front axle carrier until power steering gear rests on output shaft.
Remove power steering gear. See 32 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR (AWD) .

Remove heat shield(s).

Remove both engine mounts and if necessary remove with vacuum lines from front axle carrier. See 22 11 001 REPLACING LEFT ENGINE MOUNT (N52/N52K/N53) or 22 11 001 REPLACING RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT (N52/N52K/N53) .

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 Subframe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks.
Perform chassis alignment check.
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment.