Lowering/Raising Rear Axle Carrier

33 31 503 - Lowering/raising rear axle carrier





Special tools required:
- 00 2 030 00 2 030 Universal Hydro-Lifter Basic Unit
- 00 2 040 00 2 040 Basic Take-Up Fixture
- 33 4 232 33 4 230 Axle Support Set
- 33 4 233 33 4 230 Axle Support Set





Warning!
Danger of injury!

Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.

Read and observe the information on load distribution in the lifting platform operating instructions.

Before lowering/removing the rear axle carrier, it is essential to place a minimum load of 100 kg in the luggage compartment to prevent the vehicle from toppling/slipping off the lifting platform!

When supporting components, make sure that

- the vehicle can no longer be raised or lowered
- the vehicle does not lift off the locating plates on the lifting platform





Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove rear wheels Removing or Installing Front or Rear Wheel
- Deactivate and empty air spring system Draining/Filling Air Spring System
- Remove exhaust system .
- M5: Remove rear left and right tension struts 51 71 482 - Removing and installing/replacing left or right tension strut (on rear axle)
- Partially detach heat insulation at rear
- Remove cross strut 51 71 484 - Removing and installing/replacing cross strut/rear end
- Remove handbrake Bowden cable on both sides from hanging hook
- Detach plug connection for pulse generator on both sides and expose line up to control arm
- Detach plug connection for brake pad wear sensor on right and expose line up to control arm
- If necessary, disconnect plug connection on ride-height sensors.
- Remove air spring on both sides from wheel carrier Service and Repair
- Remove rear shock absorber on both sides from swinging arm Removing and Installing/Replacing Rear Left or Right Shock Absorber





Insert special tools 33 4 233 33 4 230 Axle Support Set and 33 4 232 33 4 230 Axle Support Set into corresponding mountings of special tool 00 2 040 00 2 040 Basic Take-Up Fixture.

Align special tool 00 2 040 00 2 040 Basic Take-Up Fixture to rear axle carrier.

Support rear axle carrier by raising special tool 00 2 030 00 2 030 Universal Hydro-Lifter Basic Unit.





Version with Dynamic Drive:

Partially detach pressure lines for rear axle oscillating motor on floorpan and remove right bracket from rear axle carrier.





Remove tension struts Replacing Left or Right Rear Axle Carrier Compression Strut.

Release screws (1) and remove stop plate (2).

Lower rear axle carrier (3).

Installation Note:
Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts Notes on Repairing Threads.

First install tension struts Replacing Left or Right Rear Axle Carrier Compression Strut and then tighten down bolts (1).

Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ Rear Axle Suspension.





After installation:

- Activate and fill air suspension system Draining/Filling Air Spring System