BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Removing and installing/replacing a steering stub/wheel carrier

Special tools required:

• 33 5 120
• 33 5 125
• 33 5 123
• 33 5 121
• 33 5 124
• 33 5 126
• 33 5 122

Necessary preliminary work:

• Remove REAR WHEEL .

IMPORTANT: Expand anti-twist lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut (1).

Activate parking brake and release collar nut (1).

Installation note: Lightly oil the gearing on the shaft journal.

No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Replace collar nut (1) by positive peening at flat areas of output shaft.

IMPORTANT: Special tools 33 5 120 and 33 5 125 must be inserted in all-round slot (1) on output shaft!

Use special tools 33 5 123 , 33 5 121 , 33 5 124 /33 5 126 to push the output shaft out of the rear axle final drive by jerking.

Here, synchronising key of bolt 33 5 122 must rest on rear axle final drive.

Installation note: High installation forces indicate that the output shaft spline teeth are damaged or deformed! Check gearing, replace damaged components.

Check dust plate (1) for damage, renew if necessary.

Circlip (2) must be replaced.

Coat contact surface (3) of output shaft with approved final drive oil.

IMPORTANT:

• The RADIAL SHAFT SEAL FOR THE OUTPUT SHAFT should be replaced every time the output shaft is removed and installed.
• The circlip of the output shaft must be replaced after re-installation.

IMPORTANT: Secure wheel carrier against falling out.

• Loosen the PULSE SENSOR ON THE WHEEL CARRIER .
• Loosen the BRAKE DISC .
• Loosen the ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK ON THE WHEEL CARRIER.
• Loosen SHOCK ABSORBER ON CAMBER ARM.
• Loosen CAMBER ARM ON WHEEL CARRIER.
• Loosen STEERING ARM ON WHEEL CARRIER.
• Loosen UPPER WISHBONE ON WHEEL CARRIER.
• Loosen CONTROL ARM ON WHEEL CARRIER.
• Loosen TRAILING ARM ON WHEEL CARRIER.

Remove wheel carrier including output shaft.

IMPORTANT: Check sensor head and line from pulse sensor prior to installation for external damage, replacing if necessary.

Replacement:

• Press OUTPUT SHAFT out of drive flange.
• Modify BRAKE ANCHOR PLATE/BRAKE GUARD PLATE . Replace if necessary.
• Modify WHEEL BEARING with drive flange. Replace if necessary.

After installation:

• Replacement: Carry out wheel alignment procedure .