33 31 000 Removing and Installing Complete Rear Axle Support

33 31 000 Completely Remove and Install the Rear Axle Support (All-Wheel Drive)






Special tools required:
- 00 2 030
- 31 5 251
- 31 5 255
- 33 5 206






Warning!
Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in the vehicle slipping off the lifting platform and critically injuring other persons.
Load the luggage compartment with a minimum of 100 kg before lowering/removing the rear axle support.
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 vehicle hoist.






Important!
Observe safety instructions for raising the vehicle
In order to avoid damage to vehicle hoist, perform weight compensation on vehicle.






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






Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Remove rear wheels.
- Remove rear axle final drive.
- Detach Bowden cables for parking brake at rear axle support.






The jacking points on the left side are shown.
Align special tools 31 5 255, 31 5 251 with the rear axle support.
Support rear axle support by operating workshop jack 00 2 030.

Important!
The centre of gravity of the rear axle must be positioned centrally over the workshop jack.
Use tensioning strap 33 5 206 to tie the rear axle support to special tool 31 5 251.






Support trailing arm from underneath using a workshop jack.
Release screws (1).
Tightening torque 33 32 1AZ.

Installation note:
Replace self-locking nut.

Tighten in normal position.
Mark position of eccentric adjustment washer to trailing arm to simplify subsequent adjustment of rear axle.
Release screw (2).
Tightening torque 33 32 2AZ.

Installation note:
Refit eccentric adjustment washer.

Tighten in normal position.






Release left and right screws (1).
Tightening torque 33 55 3AZ
Secure stabilizer against falling out.

Installation note:
Keep rubber mount and stabilizer clean and free from oil and grease.






Release screws (2) at rear axle support (1). (right-hand side is identical).
Tightening torque 33 31 1AZ.
Lower rear axle support.

Installation note:
Check threads for damage; if necessary, repair with Helicoil thread inserts.






After installation:
- Perform wheel alignment.