Right or Left Front Axle Half

NOTE: Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate a component or tool in the associated illustration.

REMOVAL
1. Remove front wheel




2. Install protective washers to the wheel hubs for brake dust shields using 3 wheel bolts
3. Remove front springs. Service and Repair
4. Remove all plastic covers on the front axle
5. Disconnect electrical connector of front axle distributor in component compartment

WARNING:
^ Risk of poisoning due to consuming brake fluid.
^ Risk of injury due to brake fluid contacting the skin or eyes.
^ Only pour brake fluid into suitable, appropriately marked containers.
^ Wear protective clothing and safety glasses when handling brake fluid.

6. Unscrew brake hose (39) from brake pipe
- Protect pipes against contamination with suitable covers and caps

7. Remove steering knuckle (5) from upper wishbone. Service and Repair
8. Remove stabilizer bar connecting rod from lower wishbone
9. Using thrust piece tool No. 129 589 10 63 00 and puller (050) tool No. 202 589 02 33 00, or equivalents, disconnect track rod (10) ball joint at steering knuckle
- Check rubber boot and ball joint for damage and wear
10. Support lower wishbone (4) and detach at front axle carrier
11. Using thrust piece (043a) tool No. 210 589 04 63 00 and puller (043) tool No. 124 589 03 33 00, or equivalents, detach steering knuckle (5) from upper wishbone (6)
- Check rubber boot and ball joint for damage and wear
12. Remove front axle half
13. Remove upper wishbone as required

INSTALLATION
- Reinstall in opposite order, noting the following:
- Replace self-locking bolts and nuts
- Bleed brake system on the front axle, refer to brakes and traction control
- Carry out chassis alignment check. Service and Repair
- Tighten the following components as noted:
- Self-locking bolts of stabilizer bar connecting rod on wishbone: 80 Nm
- Self-locking nut of upper wishbone on steering knuckle: 45 Nm
- Self-locking nut of upper wishbone on front axle carrier: 120 Nm
- Brake line on brake hose: 18 Nm
- Self-locking nut of track rod on steering knuckle: 70 Nm