BMW 7 Series: Front Sub-Frame

Lowering/Raising Front Axle Support (Universal Lifter)

Notes

IMPORTANT: Before lowering front axle support: Observe SAFETY INFORMATION on raising the vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL to prevent it from falling down.

IMPORTANT: N57: Risk of shorting the starter motor!

Necessary preliminary work

• Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION.
• Remove FRONT WHEELS.
• Remove underbody protection at front and rear.
• F03 only: Remove underbody protection.
• Remove STEERING BOX COVER AT TOP LEFT AND RIGHT.
• Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTIROLL BAR.
• Partly detach front left and right wheel arch covers (rear section) in rear area.
• Remove steering shaft from steering box.
• Remove HYDRAULIC LINES FROM VALVE BLOCK (only on version with Dynamic Drive).
• Disconnect plug connection and expose connecting line up to hydraulic steering gear (only on version with active front steering).

Release screws (1).

Remove front left/right wheel arch cover (2) from bumper trim.

Installation note: Make sure wheel arch cover is correctly positioned.

Fig. 18: Identifying Front Left/Right Wheel Arch Cover With Screws

Release screws (1).

Remove brake air duct (2).

Fig. 19: Identifying Brake Air Duct With Screws

Graphic shows: F01, F02.

Release screws (1).

Release deformation element (3) from front axle support (2).

Fig. 20: Identifying Deformation Element, Front Axle Support With Screws

only: F01, F02

Release bolt (1) and remove holder (2) from oil line

Fig. 21: Identifying Oil Line Holder With Bolt

Secure swivel bearing (1) with special tool 33 5 206 on spring strut.

Fig. 22: Securing Swivel Bearing On Spring Strut Using Special Tool (33 5 206)

Release nut (1) and remove screw. Remove spring strut from wishbone (2).

Tightening torque 31 12 7AZ.

Fig. 23: Identifying Wishbone With Nut

Engage special tool 31 5 251 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 31 5 255 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

NOTE: In a profile rail pair two profile rails are connected to each by gearing.

Insert special tools 31 5 256 in telescopic supports of other profile rail pair.

Fig. 24: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 255, 31 5 256, 31 5 251 And 00 2 030)

NOTE: The jacking points (1) on the left side are shown.

Fig. 25: Identifying Jacking Points

Align special tools 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 to front axle support.

Support front axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Fig. 26: Supporting Front Axle Using Jack (00 2 030)

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to hydraulic steering hoses and lines when lowering and raising.

Hoses/lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release screws (1, 2).

Tightening torque 31 10 1AZ.

Installation note: Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERTS.

1. = M12x1.5x65 screw
2. = M12x1.5x95 screw

Tighten down first screws (1) and then screws (2).

Fig. 27: Identifying Screws

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Lower front axle support by max. 10 cm.

After installation

• FILL AND BLEED HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
• Check line connections for leaks
• DYNAMIC DRIVE START-UP

REPLACING FRONT AXLE SUPPORT

IMPORTANT: Before removing front axle support: In order to avoid damage to lifting platform, perform weight compensation on vehicle.

Load spring strut domes with sand bags.

WARNING: SECURE ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION WITH SPECIAL TOOL to prevent it from falling down.

Necessary preliminary tasks

• Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
• Remove BOTH LOWER WISHBONES FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
• Remove BOTH TRAILING LINKS FROM FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
• Remove HYDRAULIC STEERING GEAR

Picture shows F01.

Remove both engine mounts from front axle support.

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

Installation note: Use previous front axle support as a template for modifying or replacing small parts.

Fig. 28: Identifying Engine Mounts With Front Axle Support

After installation

• Perform chassis/wheel alignment check.

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