Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

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





Important!
The control arm to wheel carrier connection has been changed from a conical seat to a ball seat.
To ensure a correct bolt connection, check before installing the control arm whether the seat for the control arm matches the seat for the wheel carrier.
A - Conical seat
B - Ball seat
Replacement only: Replace control arm with conical seat.





Remove rear wheel Removing or Installing Front or Rear Wheel.
E61: Deactivate and drain air spring/suspension system Draining/Filling Air Spring System
Release collar nut, activate handbrake 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 3AZ [1][2]Mechanical Specifications.
Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.





E61: Remove air spring from wheel carrier Service and Repair
Remove rear brake disk Removing and Installing/Replacing Both Rear Brake Discs.
Disconnect handbrake Bowden cable from expander lock 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 stabilizer Replacing Stabilizer Links for Stabilizer.
Remove spring strut shock absorber/shock absorber Removing and Installing/Replacing Rear Left or Right Shock Absorber from wheel carrier/swinging arm.
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 upper control arm from wheel carrier Replacing One Upper Control Arm and remove wheel carrier.





Replacement:
- Modify rear wheel brake Removing and Installing/Replacing a Brake Carrier/Brake Guard at Rear
- Install new wheel bearing Replacing Left or Right Wheel Bearing on Rear Axle Shaft
- Modify or replace drive flange Service and Repair
- E61: Modify retainer for air spring





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





After installation:
- E61: Activate and fill air suspension system Draining/Filling Air Spring System
- Adjust handbrake Adjustments
- Perform chassis alignment check