Lowering/Raising Rear Axle Carrier

33 31 503 - Lowering/raising rear axle carrier





Special tools required:
- 33 4 420 33 4 420 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.

Read and observe the information on load distribution in the lifting platform operating instructions.

Before lowering/removing the rear axle carrier, it is essential to place a minimum load of 100 kg in the luggage compartment to prevent the vehicle from toppling/slipping off the lifting platform!

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 lifting platform





Note:
If the rear axle carrier is detached from the body, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.





Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove emergency wheel pan Service and Repair
- Remove exhaust system up to catalytic converter Service and Repair
- Remove tunnel thermal insulation
- Remove center mount from body Removing and Installing Propeller Shaft (Cardan Universal Joint) Completely and release screw ring
- Unclip both handbrake Bowden cables in tunnel
- If necessary, disconnect plug connection from ride-height sensor





Important!
Risk of damage!

Brake hose must not be exposed to tensile loads.

Release screw and remove bracket with brake hose.

Tightening torque 34 32 3AZ 34 32 Brake Lines.





Support rear differential with workshop jack and special tool 33 4 420 33 4 420 Support.

Important!
Observe gap between special tool 33 4 420 33 4 420 Support and dust plates (1).

To avoid grinding noises, make sure the dust plates (1) are not damaged (e.g. bent).

Remove tension strut Removing and Installing/Replacing Compression Strut for Rear Axle Carrier.





Release screws (1) and remove stop plate.

Lower rear axle carrier.

Installation Note:
Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts Notes on Repairing Threads.

Check seating of coil springs with spring pads, correct if necessary.

Tightening torque 33 33 3AZ Rear Axle Suspension.





After installation:

- Perform chassis alignment check