BMW X5: Removing And Installing Complete Rear Axle Carrier

Special tools required:

• 00 2 030
• 31 5 250
• 31 5 253
• 31 5 256

WARNING: Danger to life! See MOUNT SECURING FIXTURE FOR VEHICLE ON LIFTING PLATFORM to prevent the vehicle from slipping off or tilting down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Mount securing fixture for vehicle on lifting platform.
• Remove rear wheels.
• Tension both coil springs (and leave on vehicle).
• Remove propeller shaft.
• Expose cable for emergency release up to rear axle carrier.
• Disconnect plug connection on actuating unit (EMF).
• Unclip lines for pulse generator, brake pad sensor or shock absorber above rear axle carrier from holders.
• Disconnect plug connection at both ride-height sensors.
• Remove both rear shock absorbers on wheel carrier (release retainers for brake hose).

Version with ride-height control:

Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any tools to remove the lower section of the air spring (1).

Tilt lower section of air spring (1) by hand towards front/side.

Installation:

Press lower section of air spring (1) by hand into wheel carrier until it can be seen and heard to snap into place.

Fig. 60: Removing Lower Section Of Air Spring

NOTE: The plug connections on the right side are shown.

Partially detach rear wheel arch cover.

Only on right side: Detach plug connection (1) for brake pad wear sensor and expose line up to control arm.

Detach plug connection (2) for pulse generator and expose lines up to control arm.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management: Detach both plug connections (3) for shock absorber and expose lines up to control arm.

Fig. 61: Identifying Plug Connections

Press clutch pedal down to floor and secure with pedal support.

IMPORTANT: To prevent brake fluid from escaping from the expansion tank when the brake lines are opened, do not remove the pedal support until the brake lines have been reconnected.

Fig. 62: Locating Brake Pedal Support Knob

Release banjo bolts (1), gripping brake hoses (2) at square head in the process.

Disconnect brake hoses (2) and seal off with plugs.

Installation:

Make sure brake hose is laid without tension and with sufficient spacing to adjoining components.

Tightening torque.

Fig. 63: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Brake Hoses

Engage special tool 31 5 250 with a 2nd person helping completely on workshop jack 00 2 030.

Insert special tools 31 5 253 in telescopic supports of a profile rail pair.

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

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

Fig. 64: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 250) And (00 2 030)

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

Align special tool 31 5 256 to opening in rear axle carrier.

Align special tools 31 5 253 to cross-member arms on rear axle carrier.

Fig. 65: Identifying Special Tools (31 5 253) And (31 5 256)

Version with Dynamic Drive: Remove underbody panelling (rear section).

IMPORTANT: Pay attention to control lines (2) when lowering and raising. Hydraulic lines must not be kinked/tensioned/bent!

Release banjo bolts (1).

Tightening torque.

Fig. 66: Identifying Banjo Bolts And Control Lines

Remove front and rear compression struts and carefully lower rear axle carrier.

After installation:

• Activate and fill air suspension system.
• Bleed braking system.
• Carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation.

IMPORTANT: If the pedal support is removed or slips before the brake lines are connected, it will be necessary to bleed the brake system at front and rear!

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