Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

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





Remove rear wheel.

Important!
Expand anti-twist lock sufficiently to avoid damaging thread when releasing collar nut.

Release collar nut (1), activate parking brake for this purpose.

Installation:
Replace collar nut, oil collar nut/wheel bearing contact surface only and tighten down.

No oil permitted on thread of shaft journal or collar nut.

Tightening torque 33 41 1AZ.

Secure collar nut by positive peening on flat areas of output shaft.

Remove parking brake shoe expander.

Remove handbrake Bowden cable from wheel carrier (see actuating unit (EMF)).

Remove wheel bearing (do not pull out drive flange).





Remove pulse sensor from wheel carrier.

Tension rear coil spring and leave on vehicle at rear.





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





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.





Important!
Secure wheel carrier against falling out.

Remove integral link.

Remove guide arm from wheel carrier.

Remove upper wishbone from wheel carrier.

Remove wheel carrier.





Replacement:
Modify brake anchor/brake guard plate.

Important!
Make sure spring pad is correctly installed in order to prevent the coil spring from jumping out.

Modify lower spring pad (1). To do so, lever out upper section (2) with a suitable tool.





After installation:
^ Activate and fill air spring system
^ Adjusting parking brake
^ Replacement only: Perform chassis alignment check