BMW X3 Quiz

Front sub-frame

In this manual: Front sub-frame
General information on preservation measures — 1Body cavity sealing — 1Body corrosion protection — 1Body repair instructions — 1Support members — 1Luggage compartment floor — 1Wheel wells — 1Side frame and door pillars — 1Roof outer skin — 1Dash cowl — 1Front trim panel — 1Rear trim panel — 1Side panels — 1Front side doors — 1Rear side doors — 1Front lid — 1Rear lid — 1Other flaps — 1Body special tools — 1General information — 1Handling brake fluids — 1Brake testing and bleeding — 1Front brakes — 1Rear brakes — 1Master brake cylinder — 1Brake lines — 1Brake booster — 1Electrical components/wear indicator — 1Parking brake — 1Mechanical/hydraulic components — 1Electronic components — 1Brakes — 1Front brake — 1Pedal mounting block — 1Brake pedal with linkage — 1Clutch pedal with linkage — 1Accelerator pedal actuation — 1Pedals — 1Specified grease — 1Propeller shaft, general — 1Propeller shaft assembly — 1Center console assembly — 1Front propeller shaft — 1Propeller shaft — 1Propeller shaft complete — 1Front axle repair instructions — 1Front axle suspension — 1Front sub-frame — 1Struts with rubber mounts — 1Wheel bearings and stub axle — 1Spring strut — 1Spring with suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Front axle gearbox — 1Output shaft — 1Front axle — 1General information on high temperature multi-purpose grease — 1Rear axle repair instructions — 1Final drive with cover — 1Final drive mounting — 1Output shafts — 1Rear sub-frame — 1Control arms and struts — 1Axle mounting — 1Wheel bearings — 1Shock absorber — 1With suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Rear axle — 1General information on final drive oil — 1Approved final drive oils for front and rear axle final drives with and without limited slip or viscous coupling — 1Final drive oil for bmw m1 motorsport coupe — 1Operating fluids as of 11/2015 — 1Brake pad replacement reminder — 1Emissions maintenance reminder — 1Maintenance service reminder — 1Tire pressure monitor system reminder — 1Description — 1Troubleshooting — 1Ignition wires, spark plugs — 1Ignition coil — 1Electronic switching or control units — 1Preheating relay — 1Preheater plugs — 1Alternator with drive and mounting — 1Controller — 1Starter with mounting — 1Starter lead — 1Engine wiring loom — 1Oil pressure/oil temperature/oil gauge — 1Switches and relays — 1Engine electrical system — 1Cabin air filter — 1Cabin air filter applications — 1Operating fluids - air conditioning and heating — 1Air conditioner refrigerant — 1Refrigeration oil — 1Note, overview components climate control — 1Heater with operation — 1Auxiliary. heater with control elements — 1Nozzles and outlets — 1Microfilter — 1Air conditioning, leak detection — 1Ac housing/evaporator, switching elements — 1Compressor — 1Condenser and dryer with lines — 1Heating and air conditioning — 1Front axle repair instructions — 1Front axle suspension — 1Front sub-frame — 1Struts with rubber mounts — 1Wheel bearings and stub axle — 1Spring strut — 1Spring with suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Front axle gearbox — 1Front axle — 1General information on high temperature multi-purpose grease — 1Integrated suspension systems repair instructions — 1Front control and suspension elements — 1Rear control and suspension elements — 1Electrical components — 1Electronic damping force adjustment — 1Integrated suspension systems — 1Approved hydraulic fluids — 1Rear axle repair instructions — 1Final drive — 1Final drive with cover — 1Final drive mounting — 1Output shafts — 1Rear sub-frame — 1Control arms and struts — 1Axle mounting — 1Wheel bearings — 1Shock absorber — 1Springs with suspension — 1Stabilizer bar — 1Rear axle — 1General information on final drive oil — 1Approved final drive oils for front and rear axle final drives with and without limited slip or viscous coupling — 1Final drive oil for bmw m1 motorsport coupe — 1Operating fluids as of 11/2015 — 1Electronic chassis alignment — 1Mechanical steering gear — 1Steering gear with servo unit — 1Steering arms, tie rods, steer. damper — 1Steering column — 1Steering wheel — 1Steering wheel for airbag — 1Pump and oil supply — 1Steering and wheel alignment — 1Wheels — 1Disc wheels (rims) — 1Tires — 1Wheels with tires — 1Tire mounting paste — 1Engine mounting — 1Transmission suspension, automatic. transmission — 1Engine and gearbox suspension — 1Transmission in general — 1Transmission case, oil sump — 1Extension housing, bearings, seal — 1Mechanical attachments — 1Hydr/el control components/elements — 1Oil pump — 1Shift valves, parking lock — 1Torque converter — 1Automatic transmission — 1Automatic transmission fluid for zf-transmission GA8HP45Z / GA8HP50Z / GA8HP70Z / GA8HP90Z / GA8P70H / GA8P75H / GA8HP75Z — 1General information on automatic transmission fluids — 1Approved automatic transmission fluids for initial fillings and correcting fluid levels — 1Checking transmission fluid level — 1Transmission fluid change intervals (if applicable) — 1Transfer case, general — 1Transfer box — 1Transmission shafts — 1Transfer box special tools — 1Transfer box in general (atc 45l) — 1Transmission in general — 1Bearing in housing, sealing ring — 1SELF-DIAGNOSTICS DTCS — 1
~3min read
  • Lowering/raising front axle support
  • Replacing front axle support

Lowering/raising front axle support

Special tools required:

  • 31 5 251
  • 00 2 030
  • 31 5 255
  • 31 5 256

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.

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 vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support: Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, 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:

  • Secure ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION .
  • REMOVE UNDERBODY PROTECTION.
  • Remove ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR.
  • Remove STEERING SHAFT FROM STEERING BOX .
  • Partially release left and right WHEEL ARCH COVERS .
  • Only on left side at ride height sensor: Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION ON SENSOR .

Disconnect plug connection (1) on steering box.

Disconnect plug connections (2) on steering box and set down with left side member.

Suspension

Unclip cable (1) of steering box on front axle support and set down with right side member.

Installation note: Replace faulty cable clips.

Suspension

N52T, N55: Loosen screws on the coolant pipe (1).

Suspension

IMPORTANT: Make sure when lowering/removing the front axle that the cable of the steering box is not damaged.

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.

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

NOTE: In a profile rail pair, two profile rails are connected to one another by gearing.

Suspension
Suspension

The mounting points on the left side are shown: Align special tools 31 5 251 , 31 5 255 and 31 5 256 to front axle support.

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

Release screws (1).

Lower front axle support.

Installation note:

Check thread for damage.

If necessary, repair with HELICOIL THREAD INSERT.

Suspension

Replacing front axle support

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.

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 vehicle hoist.

IMPORTANT: Before lowering/removing front axle support: Observe SAFETY INFORMATION for raising the vehicle In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, 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:

  • SECURE engine in installation position.
  • DISCONNECT negative lead from battery.
  • Remove BOTH WISHBONES FROM THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT.
  • Remove BOTH TENSION STRUTS FROM FRONT AXLE CARRIER.
  • Remove BOTH TRACK RODS AT THE SWIVEL BEARING .
  • Remove the ANTI-ROLL LINK AT THE FRONT AXLE SUPPORT and protect from falling.
  • Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT.

Remove both engine mounts from front axle carrier.

Remove steering box .

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE.

Take the front axle support off the special tool with a helper and set onto a suitable support.

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

Suspension

After installation:

  • Perform wheel alignment check .

Test yourself

A quick BMW X3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.