AR33.10-P-0100PW Remove/Install Front Axle
Removing And Installing Front Axle
DANGER:
- Lethal injuries are possible if vehicle slips off of lifting platform
- Align vehicle between the columns of the lifting platform and position the four support plates at the lifting platform support points specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
CAUTION:
- Respond to visible damage such as cracks or distortion on the front subframe by replacing the damaged parts.
- Notes on self-locking nuts and bolts
1 Move the adjustable steering column out to maximum extension
NOTE: Required to separate the steering joint (25).
2 Switch off easy entry function for driver's seat and steering wheel
- Vehicles with memory function.
CAUTION:
- Otherwise the driver's seat and steering wheel move to a different position, e.g when the driver's door is opened/closed
- The upper frame can then be damaged when the retainer is installed.
NOTE: Deactivate using the steering wheel keys to access the "comfort and convenience" menu in the multifunction display panel.
3 Removing left and right halfshafts
4 Guide joints into the lower control arm and attach with nut
NOTE: The joints are pressed out after the front halfshafts are removed.
5 Remove engine suction fan ducts in front of air cleaner
6 Detach from above air cleaner vertically from the cylinder head covers
NOTE:
- Installation. Apply a light coating of lubricant to the valve covers and the seal on the hot-film mass airflow sensor in the air filter housing
- Liquid lubricant (Naphtolen H)
7 Extract oil from power steering pump supply reservoir
8 Install engine hoist clamp and lift engine slightly
9 Remove struts (11) from dome
10 Remove the return line from the steering rack (23) from the front subframe (1)
NOTE: Four nuts between engine and radiator, one nut on the right engine mount and one nut on the steering joint (25)
11 Disconnect the plugs for the brake pad wear sensor and wheelspeed sensor wires in the wheelhousing, then unsnap the wires from the mount
NOTE: Press against spring (arrow) to remove The plug for the brake pad wear sensor is present on the right side only
CAUTION: Note on installing contact sensor for brake lining wear indicator
DANGER:
- Risk of poisoning from swallowing brake fluid Risk of injury from brake fluid coming into contact with skin and eyes
- Pour brake fluid only into suitable and appropriately marked containers Wear protective clothing and eye protection when handling brake fluid
12 Unscrew the left and right brake lines (5) from the brake hose and then plug the openings
CAUTION: Seal line connections immediately with plugs The brake fluid reservoir must not be allowed to empty completely
CAUTION:
- Notes on installing brake hoses
- Brake fluid notes
- Installation: Ensure that brake hoses are not twisted during tightening
13 Installing protective washers to protect brake disk dust shields
14 Remove exhaust heat shield from above the right rubber boot on the steering rack (23)
15 Detach exhaust heat shield above steering joint (23k) from the control valve on the steering rack (23)
NOTE: Three screws
16 Unscrew the lower bolt (25b) from the steering joint (25)
NOTE: Start by bringing the steering joint (25) into a position affording good access
17 Turn steering wheel to center position (front wheels in straight-ahead position) and fix in place
CAUTION: The steering wheel must not be turned with the steering coupling (25) detached otherwise the contact spiral will be destroyed
18 Carefully pull steering coupling (25) out of control valve of rack-and-pinion steering (23) (predetermined breaking point on control valve)
CAUTION: Do not use force (hammer blows, excessive leverage)
NOTE: Installation: Turn rack-and-pinion steering to center position, install steering coupling (25)
19 Unscrew the steering rack's hydraulic line (23) from the front final-drive unit
20 Remove the bracket for the hydraulic lines (23s) from the steering rack (23) and extract the hydraulic lines
NOTE:
- Seal off line connections with plugs
- Installation replace O-rings
21 Unscrew the left and right engine mounts from the front subframe (1)
22 Support front axle
23 Unscrew the bolts (1f) from the front subframe (1)
CAUTION:
- The bolts (1f) are self-tapping, so the following points must be observed:
- Never recut the thread in the side member
- Replace bolts
- Only use original bolts (4 ea.)
- Ensure that bolts are not tilted when positioning.
- Do not use an impact wrench
- Observe tightening torque
24 Lower front axle
CAUTION: Secure front axle to prevent it falling.
25 Install in the reverse order
26 Bleed brake system.
27 Filling and bleeding power steering pump
- Vehicles without level control
- Vehicles with level control code 480
28 Perform chassis alignment check