Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

33 32 131 - Removing and installing / replacing a steering knuckle / wheel carrier





Remove rear wheel Removing or Installing Front or Rear Wheel.
Version with ride-height control: Deactivate air spring system Draining/Filling Air Spring System.

Important!
Expand turning lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut.

Release collar nut, activate parking brake for this purpose.

Installation Note:
Replace collar nut, oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface lightly and tighten down.
No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.
Tightening torque 33 41 1AZ [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.





Remove rear brake disc Removing and Installing/Replacing Both Rear Brake Discs.
Disengage Bowden cable for parking brake at brake shoe expander Service and Repair.
Replacement only: drive out drive flange for rear axle shaft Service and Repair
Remove pulse generator Replacing a Rear Pulse Generator.
Remove stabilizer link from swinging arm Replacing Stabilizer Links for Stabilizer.
Remove spring strut/air spring strut from wheel carrier.
Remove integral link Removing and Installing/Replacing Left or Right Push Rod/Integral Link.

Important!
Risk of damage!
Do not drive output shaft out of drive flange with an impact tool.

Press output shaft out of drive flange Pressing Output Shaft Out of Drive Flange and Drawing in (Output Shaft Removed From Rear Differential).
Remove guide arm from wheel carrier Replacing a Guide Arm.
Remove control arm from wheel carrier Replacing One Upper Control Arm and remove wheel carrier.





Important!
- Check sensor head and line from pulse generator prior to installation for external damage, replacing if necessary.





Replacement:
- Modify brake carrier/brake guard plate Removing and Installing/Replacing a Brake Carrier/Brake Guard at Rear

- Install new wheel bearing Rear Axle

- Modify drive flange Service and Repair





After installation:
- Version with ride-height control: activate air spring system Draining/Filling Air Spring System

- Adjusting parking brake Adjustments

- Perform chassis alignment check